Kinase suppressor of ras inactivation for therapy of ras mediated tumorigenesis

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the specific inhibition of kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR). In particular, the invention provides genetic approaches and nucleic acids for the specific inhibition of KSR, particularly of KSR expression. The invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides and the expression of nucleic acid which is substantially complementary to KSR RNA. Oligonucleotide and nucleic acid compositions are provided. The invention provides methods to inhibit KSR, including inhibition of KSR expression. Methods for blocking gf Ras mediated tumorigenesis, metastasis, and for cancer therapy are provided.

GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT

The research leading to the present invention was supported, at least in part, by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, Grant No. CA42385 and Grant No. CA52462. Accordingly, the Government may have certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the specific inhibition of kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR). In particular, the invention provides genetic approaches and nucleic acids for the specific inhibition of KSR, particularly of KSR expression. The invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides and the expression of nucleic acid complementary to KSR RNA to specifically inhibit KSR and block gf Ras mediated tumorigenesis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ras plays an essential role in oncogenic transformation and genesis. Oncogenic H—, K—, and N-Ras arise from point mutations limited to a small number of sites (amino acids 12, 13, 59 and 61). Unlike normal Ras, oncogenic ras proteins lack intrinsic GTPase activity and hence remain constitutively activated (Trahey, M., and McCormick, F. (1987) Science 238: 542-5; Tabin, C. J. et al. (1982) Nature. 300: 143-9; Taparowsky, E. et al. (1982) Nature. 300: 762-5). The participation of oncogenic ras in human cancers is estimated to be 30% (Almoguera, C. et al (1988) Cell. 53:549-54).

Mutations are frequently limited to only one of the ras genes, and the frequency is tissue- and tumor type-specific. K-ras is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancers, especially the codon-12 mutation. While oncogenic activation of H—, K—, and N-Ras arising from single nucleotide substitutions has been observed in 30% of human cancers (Bos, J. L. (1989) Cancer Res 49, 4682-9), over 90% of human pancreatic cancer manifest the codon 12 K-ras mutation (Almoguera, C. et al. (1988) Cell 53, 549-54; Smit, V. T. et al. (1988) Nucleic Acids Res 16, 7773-82; Bos, J. L. (1989) Cancer Res 49, 4682-9). Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common cancer of the pancreas, is notorious for its rapid onset and resistance to treatment. The high frequency of K-ras mutations in human pancreatic tumors suggests that constitutive Ras activation plays a critical role during pancreatic oncogenesis. Adenocarcinoma of the exocrine pancreas represents the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Western countries. Treatment has had limited success and the five-year survival remains less than 5% with a mean survival of 4 months for patients with surgically unresectable tumors (Jemal, A et al (2002) CA Cancer J Clin 52, 23-47; Burris, H. A., 3rd et al. (1997) J Clin Oncol 15, 2403-13). This point mutation can be identified early in the course of the disease when normal cuboidal pancreatic ductal epithelium progresses to a flat hyperplastic lesion, and is considered causative in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer (Hruban, R. H. et al (2000) Clin Cancer Res 6, 2969-72; Tada, M. et al. (1996) Gastroenterology 110, 227-31). The regulation of oncogenic K-ras signaling in human pancreatic cancer, however, remains largely unknown.

K-ras mutations are present in 50% of the cancers of colon and lung (Bos, J. L. et al. (1987) Nature. 327: 293-7; Rodenhuis, S. et al. (1988) Cancer Res. 48: 5738-41). In cancers of the urinary tract and bladder, mutations are primarily in the H-ras gene (Fujita, J. et al. (1984) Nature. 309: 464-6; Visvanathan, K. V. et al. (1988) Oncogene Res. 3: 77-86). N-ras gene mutations are present in 30% of leukemia and liver cancer. Approximately 25% of skin lesions in humans involve mutations of the Ha-Ras (25% for squamous cell carcinoma and 28% for melanomas) (Bos, J. L. (1989) Cancer Res. 49:4683-9; Migley, R. S. and Kerr, D. J. (2002) Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 44: 109-20).50-60% of thyroid carcinomas are unique in having mutations in all three genes (Adjei, A. A. (2001) J Natl Cancer Inst. 93: 1062-74).

Constitutive activation of Ras can be achieved through oncogenic mutations or via hyperactivated growth factor receptors such as the EGFRs. Elevated expression and/or amplification of the members of the EGFR family, especially the EGFR and HER2, have been implicated in various forms of human malignancies (as reviewed in Prenzel, N. et al. (2001) Endocr Relat Cancer. 8: 11-31). In some of these cancers (including pancreas, colon, bladder, lung), EGFR/HER2 overexpression is compounded by the presence of oncogenic Ras mutations. Abnormal activation of these receptors in tumors can be attributed to overexpression, gene amplification, constitutive activation mutations or autocrine growth factor loops (Voldborg, B. R. et al. (1997) Ann Oncol. 8: 1197-206). For growth factor receptors, especially the EGFRs, amplification or/and overexpression of these receptors frequently occur in the cancers of the breast, ovary, stomach, esophagus, pancreatic, lung, colon neuroblastoma

While various therapeutic strategies have been developed to inactivate key components of the Ras-Raf-MAPK cascade, specific inhibition of gain-of-function or constitutive Ras (gf Ras) action has not been achieved clinically (Adjei, A. A. (2001) J Natl Cancer Inst 93, 1062-74; Cox, A. D. & Der, C. J. (2002) Curr Opin Pharmacol 2, 388-93).

Therefore, in view of the aforementioned deficiencies attendant with prior art methods to inactivate or inhibit the Ras pathway, and particularly Ras-mediated cancers, it should be apparent that there still exists a need in the art for methods and compositions for specific inhibition of the Ras pathway and particularly for inhibition of gf Ras.

The citation of references herein shall not be construed as an admission that such is prior art to the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the specific inhibition of kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR). The compositions and methods of the present invention inhibit the expression and/or activity of KSR. In particular, the invention provides genetic approaches and nucleic acids for the specific inhibition of KSR. It is herein demonstrated that on specific inhibition of KSR the Ras pathway is disrupted and, specifically, Ras-mediated tumors and tumorigenesis is inhibited or blocked, existing tumors regress, metasasis is inhibited and proliferation of tumor or cancer cells is inhibited.

The present invention provides oligonucleotides and nucleic acids which specifically inhibit or block the expression and activity of KSR. In particular, antisense oligonucleotides and the expression of nucleic acid complementary to KSR RNA specifically inhibits expression of KSR and blocks gf Ras mediated tumorigenesis.

The present invention provides an oligonucleotide which is substantially complementary to a region of KSR RNA, wherein said oligonucleotide inhibits the expression of KSR. The invention further provides an oligonucleotide which is substantially complementary to a nucleic acid encoding mammalian KSR. In a particular embodiment, an oligonucleotide is provided which is substantially complementary to a nucleic acid encoding human KSR.

In an aspect of the invention an oligonucleotide is provided which is substantially complementary to a translation initiation site, 5′ untranslated region, coding region or 3′ untranslated region of mRNA encoding mammalian KSR. In one embodiment, the invention includes an antisense oligonucleotide comprising a sequence substantially complementary to the CA1 region of KSR. The invention provides oligonucleotides comprising a sequence substantially complementary to nucleotides encoding amino acids 42 to 82, or a portion thereof, of the sequence of KSR.

In a further embodiment, the invention includes an antisense oligonucleotide comprising a sequence substantially complementary to nucleotides 124 to 243 of the coding sequence of KSR (SEQ ID NO: 1), or a portion thereof, such nucleotides encoding amino acids 42 to 82 of KSR (SEQ ID NO:2) or a portion thereof. In particular, oligonucleotides of the invention include oligonucleotides comprising a sequence substantially complementary to nucleotides selected from the group of 151 to 179 (SEQ ID NO: 3), 181 to 198 (SEQ ID NO:4) and 214 to 231 (SEQ ID NO:5) of the sequence of KSR. The invention includes antisense oligonucleotides comprising a sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 8.

The oligonucleotides of the present invention may be labeled with a detectable label. In particular aspects, the label may be selected from enzymes, ligands, chemicals which fluoresce and radioactive elements. In the instance where a radioactive label, such as the isotopes ³H, ¹⁴C, ³²P, ³⁵S, ³⁶Cl, ⁵¹Cr, ⁵⁷Co, ⁵⁸Co, ⁵⁹Fe, ⁹⁰Y, ¹²⁵I, ¹³¹I, and ¹⁸⁶Re are used, known currently available counting procedures may be utilized. In the instance where the label is an enzyme, detection may be accomplished by any of the presently utilized colorimetric, spectrophotometric, fluorospectrophotometric, amperometric or gasometric techniques known in the art.

In a particular aspect, the nucleic acids and oligonucleotides of the present invention may be modified, either by manipulation of the chemical backbone of the nucleic acids or by covalent or non-covalent attachment of other moieties. In each or any case, such manipulation or attachment may serve to modify the stability, cellular, tissue or organ uptake, or otherwise enhance efficacy of the nucleic acids and oligonucleotides. In further aspects of the invention, the oligonucleotides may be covalently linked to other molecules, including but not limited to polypeptides, carbohydrates, lipid or lipid-like moieties, ligands, chemical agents or compounds, which may serve to enhance the uptake, stability or to target the oligonucleotides.

In further embodiments, the oligonucleotides of the present invention are modified in their chemical backbone. In a particular embodiment, the oligonucleotides comprise at least one phosphorothioate (P—S) linkage.

Recombinant DNA molecules comprising a nucleic acid sequence which encodes on transcription an antisense RNA complementary to mammalian KSR RNA or a portion thereof are provided by the invention. Further, the recombinant DNA molecules comprise a nucleic acid sequence wherein said nucleic acid sequence is operatively linked to a transcription control sequence. Cell lines transfected with these recombinant DNA molecules are also included in the invention.

In a further aspect, an expression vector is provided which is capable of expressing a nucleic acid which is substantially complementary to the coding sequence of KSR RNA, or a portion thereof, wherein said nucleic acid inhibits the expression of KSR. In a particular aspect, this includes an expression vector capable of expressing an oligonucleotide which is substantially complementary to the CA1 region of the coding sequence of KSR RNA (SEQ ID NO: 1), or a portion thereof, wherein said oligonucleotide inhibits the expression of KSR.

Compositions of the nucleic acids and oligonucleotides are an additional aspect of the invention. The invention includes a composition comprising an oligonucleotide which is substantially complementary to a region of KSR RNA and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. The invention thus provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an oligonucleotide which is substantially complementary to a region of KSR RNA and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

In a further aspect, compositions are provided comprising one or more chemotherapeutic or radiotherapeutic agent and an oligonucleotide which is targeted to a mRNA encoding mammalian KSR and which inhibits KSR expression.

In an additional embodiment, the invention provides a composition comprising an expression vector and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent, wherein said expression vector is capable of expressing nucleic acid which is substantially complementary to the coding sequence of KSR RNA, or a portion thereof, wherein said nucleic acid inhibits the expression of KSR.

Methods for inhibiting expression of KSR are provided. In one aspect, a method of inhibiting the expression of mammalian KSR comprising contacting cells which express KSR with an effective amount of a nucleic acid which is complementary to a portion of the mRNA encoding KSR is included. In particular, a method of inhibiting the expression of mammalian KSR is provided, comprising contacting cells which express KSR with an effective amount of the oligonucleotide of the present invention whereby expression of mammalian KSR is inhibited. In an additional aspect, a method of inhibiting expression of KSR is provided, wherein tissues or a tumor, particularly a tissue or tumor expressing gf Ras or wherein the Ras pathway is hyperactivated or Ras is overexpressed or amplified, is contacted with an effective amount of the oligonucleotide or nucleic acid of the present invention, thus inhibiting the expression of KSR.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides compositions and methods for the inhibition or blockage of the activity of KSR, including the kinase or phosphorylation activity of KSR. In an additional aspect, a method of inhibiting expression of KSR is provided, wherein a tumor, tissue or cells expressing KSR, particularly a tissue or tumor expressing gf Ras or wherein the Ras pathway is hyperactivated or Ras is overexpressed or amplified, is contacted with an effective amount of the nucleic acid or composition of the present invention, thus inhibiting the activity of KSR.

The invention further includes a method of treating or preventing a hyperproliferative condition associated with the expression of gf-Ras or heightened expression of Ras in a mammal comprising administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or agent which inhibits the expression of mammalian KSR protein. In one aspect of this method, said compound or agent is an antisense oligonucleotide which specifically hybridizes to a portion of the mRNA encoding KSR.

A method of treating or preventing a hyperproliferative condition associated with the expression of gf-Ras or heightened expression or hyperactivation of Ras in a mammal is provided, comprising expressing in said mammal or administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a nucleic acid which is complementary to a portion of the mRNA encoding KSR.

In a further aspect, a method of treating or inhibiting the progression of cancer in a mammal is included, comprising administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or agent which inhibits the expression of mammalian KSR protein. Cancers which are susceptible to the invention's method include cancer selected from the group of pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, urinary tract cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer, colon cancer, intestinal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer and prostate cancer.

Thus, a method is provided for treating or inhibiting the progression of cancer in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of one or more oligonucleotide of the present invention.

In addition, a method is provided for identifying compounds or agents which inhibit the expression of KSR comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) incubating a cell expressing KSR in the presence and absence         of a candidate compound or agent; and     -   (b) detecting or measuring the expression of KSR in the presence         and absence of a candidate compound or agent,         whereby a decrease in the expression of KSR in the presence of         said candidate compound or agent versus in the absence of said         candidate compound or agent indicates that said compound or         agent inhibits the expression of KSR.

The invention includes additional compositions which can inhibit the expression of a protein, in particular KSR, at the transcriptional level by blocking translation of KSR mRNA or by facilitating destruction or destabilization of the RNA such that translation cannot efficiently take place. In this aspect, the invention provides a ribozyme that cleaves KSR mRNA.

The present invention naturally contemplates several means for preparation of the nucleic acids and oligonucleotides of the present invention, including as illustrated herein known recombinant techniques, and the invention is accordingly intended to cover such synthetic preparations within its scope. The knowledge of the cDNA and amino acid sequences of KSR as disclosed herein facilitates the preparation of the nucleic acids of the invention by such recombinant techniques, and accordingly, the invention extends to expression vectors prepared from the disclosed DNA sequences for expression in host systems by recombinant DNA techniques, and to the resulting transformed hosts.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the following description which proceeds with reference to the following illustrative drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts targeted disruption of the ksr gene in mice. A, Strategy for targeting the ksr allele. Simplified restriction maps of the 5′ region of the wild-type ksr allele, the targeting vector, and the mutated allele are shown. Homologous recombination with endogenous ksr replaces an internal 1.1-kb SmaI-SpeI genomic fragment with a Neo cassette. B, Southern blot analysis of an ES clone showing the correct insertion of the targeting construct. Genomic DNA isolated from ES cells was digested with BglII and XhoI and hybridized to the 5′ probe located just outside the 5′arm of the ksr targeting region as shown in A. The wild-type allele yields a 5.7-kb fragment whereas the mutant allele yields a 3.1-kb fragment. C, Genotyping of ksr^(−/−) mice by PCR. The size of the PCR product is 493 bp for the wt allele and 312 bp for the mutated allele. D, Expression of ksr in wild type mouse embryos. The sizes of the two transcripts are 6.4 kb and 7.4 kb. E, Northern blot analysis of tissue ksr mRNAs. Poly-A⁺ RNA, isolated from different tissues of adult ksr^(+/+), ksr^(+/−), and ksr^(−/−) mice, was hybridized with a probe corresponding to domains CA2-CA4 in ksr cDNA. mRNA from NIH3T3 cells was used as control. F, KSR protein expression. Lysates prepared from wild-type and ksr^(−/−) tissues were analyzed by western blot with a specific anti-KSR monoclonal antibody. Note that brain expresses the slightly shorter B-KSR1 isoform while lung and spleen express the longer KSR1 isoform. Lysates were also prepared from two independent sets of ksr^(+/+) and ksr^(−/−) MEFs. Equal loading was confirmed by reprobing blots with an anti-α-tubulin antibody.

FIG. 2 depicts skin phenotype in newborn ksr^(−/−) mice. Full thickness skin cuts of 10-day old ksr^(+/+), ksr^(−/−) and egfr^(−/−) mice were sectioned 4-6 μm thick, placed on glass slides, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. s—serpentine, bl—blister, do—disoriented.

FIG. 3 depicts defects in EGF- and TPA-induced MAPK signaling and proliferation in ksr^(−/−) MEFs. A, Western blot analysis of MAPK activity upon EGF and TPA treatments. Low-passage MEFs derived from ksr^(+/+) and ksr^(−/−) were made quiescent by 48 h incubation in serum-free medium and stimulated with low doses of EGF for 3 min(upper panel) or with TPA for 10 min (lower panel). Cells were lysed in NP40 buffer and activation of the MAPK cascade was examined by western blot with anti-phospho specific antibodies for the activated forms of MAPK(ERK1/2). Shown are representative blots from one of four independent experiments. B, Activation of endogenous Raf-1 upon EGF (upper panel) and TPA (lower panel) treatments were determined by Raf-1 activity assay as described herein in Methods. MEK1 phosphorylation was examined by western blot with anti-phospho specific antibodies for the activated forms of MEK1. Shown are representative blots from one or four independent experiments. C, Proliferation of MEFs. 0.15×10⁶ ksr^(+/+) or ksr^(−/−) low-passage MEFs were seeded on 60 mm plates and grown as described in Methods. Cells were trypsinized every other day and counted by hemacytometer. Data (mean±SD) are compiled from three independent experiments.

FIG. 4. Disruption of ksr gene abrogated oncogenic Ras-mediated tumorigenesis in ksr−/− mice. A, RT-PCR detection of v-Ha-ras expression from total RNA isolated from the epidermis of Tg.AC/ksr^(+/+) and Tg.AC/ksr^(−/−) mice following TPA treatment. Intron spanning primers specific for the 3′UTR region of the v-Ha-ras transgene were used. The larger 279 bp amplicon, detected in the absence of reverse transcriptase [RT(−)], is derived from DNA and unspliced RNA. The smaller 214 bp amplicon is derived from spliced mRNA and is indicative of transgene expression. B, Mice, grouped according to genotype (10/group), were treated with 5 μg of TPA twice a week for 15 weeks. Papillomas were counted weekly for 20 weeks.

FIG. 5. Inducible A431-Tet-Off-pTRE-KSR cells. A and B, Western blot analysis of wild type Flag-KSR-S and Flag-DN-KSR expression (A), and inhibition of endogenous KSR1 expression by KSR-AS (B). Flag-KSR-S and DN-KSR were immunoprecipitated (IP) with the monoclonal anti-Flag (M2) antibody and detected by WB. The identity of Flag-KSR was confirmed by re-probing with a monoclonal anti-KSR antibody (BD Biosciences). Endogenous KSR1 was immunoprecipitated as described in Methods and detected as above. C, Dose-dependent inhibition of Flag-KSR-S expression by doxycycline. KSR-S cells were treated with indicated doses of Dox for 24 h and Flag-KSR-S expression after Dox treatment was determined by WB as above. D and E, Inactivation of KSR1 by KSR-AS or DN-KSR leads to alterations in morphology (D), and the development of a multinuclei phenotype (E). A431-pTRE cells were examined under the phase-contrast microscope and photographed at 20× magnification for cell morphology (D) and 40× magnification for multinucleation (E).

FIG. 6. Inactivation of KSR1 abolishes EGF-stimulated biological responses in A431 cells. A, Cell proliferation assay without (i) and with (ii) EGF stimulation. Proliferation assays were performed as described in Methods. B, Cell cycle distribution of A431-pTRE cells was determined by FACS analysis as described in Methods. The proportion of cells in the different phases of the cell cycle was calculated from the experimental fluorescence histograms. C, Matrigel invasion assay in response to EGF stimulation. To optimize the stimulatory effect of overexpression of KSR-S on A431 cell invasion, the assay was terminated after 12 h (i). To maximize the inhibitory effect of KSR-AS and DN-KSR on A431 cell invasion, the assay was terminated after 18 h (ii). D, Soft agar colony formation assays in response to EGF stimulation were performed as in Methods. For each cell line or treatment, 4 plates were counted. These results represent one of four similar studies.

FIG. 7. Inactivation of KSR1 prevents A431 tumorigenesis. A, Growth curve of A431 tumors. 106 A431-pTRE cells were injected s.c. into nude mice as described in Methods. To determine the specificity of KSR-S on A431 tumorigenesis, Dox (100 mg/ml) was added to the drinking water of a group of KSR-S tumor-bearing mice (KSR-S+Dox) 3 days prior to tumor implantation and continued throughout the experiment to turn off KSR-S expression. Mice receiving KSR-AS and DN-KSR cells were monitored up to 120 days. These results represent one of three similar experiments. There were 5 mice in each experimental group. B, H&E staining of A431 tumors. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded and 5 mm-cut A431-pTRE tumor sections were stained with H&E as described in Methods. Black arrows in (i) and (ii) indicate squamous differentiation. Black arrows in (iii) and (iv) indicate multinucleated tumor cells, and (v) is the enlargement of the framed field in (iii) of a multinucleated cell.

FIG. 8. Inactivation of KSR1 by AS-ODN attenuates A431 tumorigenesis. A, Immunofluorescence staining of endogenous KSR1 expression after treatment with 1 mM Control- or AS-ODNs was performed as in Methods. Nuclei were counter stained with DAPI. To compare the intensity of fluorescence labeling, all images of KSR expression were taken with the same exposure time. B and C, Dose-dependent inhibition of A431 cell proliferation (B) and invasion (C) by AS-ODN treatment. For the proliferation assay, 30% confluent A431 cells were treated with the indicated doses of Control- or AS-ODNs as in FIG. 3. Cell proliferation after ODN treatment was calculated as percent of non-treated controls. Invasion assays were set up after 48 h of ODN treatment as above. D, Attenuation of A431 tumorigenesis by continuous infusion of AS-ODN at 5 mg/kg/day. A431 seed tumor fragments freshly prepared as described in Methods, were transplanted s.c. into the right lateral flank of nude mice. Continuous infusion of ODNs was initiated 2 days prior to tumor transplantation. There were 5 mice in each treatment group. These results represent one of three similar experiments.

FIG. 9. Inactivation of KSR1 by AS-ODN inhibits oncogenic K-ras signaling in vitro in PANC-1. A, Dose-dependent inhibition of PANC-1 cell proliferation by AS-ODN treatment. PANC-1 cells were treated with the indicated doses of Control- or AS-ODNs and cell proliferation assays were performed as in FIG. 7. B, AS-ODN treatment (5 mM) attenuated the proliferation of a panel of human pancreatic cancer cell lines. The seeding density for each cell lines was determined in preliminary studies so that all cell lines were 30-40% confluent when transfected with ODNs. C and D, c-Raf-1 is epistatic to KSR1. PANC-1 cells were first treated with Sense- or AS-ODNs for 48 h and then transfected with the BXB-Raf as in Methods. 48 h after transfection, invasion and colony formation assays were set up as in FIG. 7. The inhibitory effect of AS-ODN on PANC-1 cell invasion (C) and transformation (D) was reversed by dominant positive BXB-Raf. E, AS-ODN treatment inhibited endogenous KSR1 expression in PANC-1 cells. Endogenous KSR1 was immunoprecipitated from non-treated (NT), Sense-ODN-treated or AS-ODN-treated PANC-1 cells, and KSR1 expression was determined by WB as described in Methods. Purified Flag-KSR served as a positive control for the WB. F, MAPK and PI-3 kinase activation in AS-ODN-treated and BXB-Raf-1-transfected PANC-1 cells in response to EGF were determined by WB analysis using phospho-MAPK and phospho-Akt specific antibodies as described in Methods. Under these conditions, b-actin and total Akt were unchanged (not shown). These results represent one of three similar experiments.

FIG. 10. AS-ODN treatment abolished PANC-1 and A549 tumorigenesis in vivo. A, Continuous infusion of AS-ODN abolished PANC-1 tumor growth. PANC-1 xenografts derived either from 10 6 PANC-1 cells (i), or from freshly harvested seed PANC-1 tumors (ii) were transplanted into nude mice as described in Methods. A (i), established PANC tumors (approximately 100 mm 3 ) were treated with 10 mg/kg/day of Control- or AS-ODNs for 14 days. Mice bearing regressed AS-ODN-treated tumors were monitored up to 4 weeks. A(ii), freshly prepared PANC-1 seed tumor fragments were transplanted into nude mice as above. Infusion with ODNs was initiated two days prior to tumor implantation and continued for an additional 14 days. These results represent one of three similar experiments. There were 5 mice for each treatment group. B, AS-ODN treatment inhibited endogenous tumoral KSR1 expression. Tumoral KSR1 was immunoprecipitated from Saline-, Sense- or AS-ODN-treated PANC-1 tumors and its expression determined by WB as above. C, Inhibition of ksr1 had no effect of Ras activation in PANC-1 tumors. Ras activation status, measured by the amount of GTP-Ras in Saline-, Control-ODN-, Sense-ODN- or AS-ODN-treated PANC-1 tumors was determined using the Ras activation assay kit. D, KSR AS-ODN treatment prevented A549 tumor growth (i) and inhibited lung metastases via systemic dissemination (ii). A549 seed tumor fragments, freshly prepared as in Methods, were transplanted to nude mice. Treatment with control-or AS-ODNs were initiated when tumors reached 150 mm 3 and continued for additional 18 days (i). When animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment, lungs were resected from control- or AS-ODN-treated mice and stained with Indian ink to visualize surface lung metastases derived via systemic dissemination (ii). These results represent one of three similar experiments. There were 5 mice for each treatment group.

FIG. 11 depicts a comparative alignment of the mouse KSR polypeptide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 9) and human KSR polypeptide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 10).

FIG. 12. A, depicts the nucleic acid coding (cDNA) sequence of mouse ksr (SEQ ID NO: 11). B, depicts the partial nucleic acid coding (cDNA) sequence of human ksr (SEQ ID NO:12).

FIG. 13 depicts the specific and dose-dependent inhibition of PANC-1 cell proliferation by AS-ODN treatment. A, Dose-dependent inhibition of PANC-1 cell proliferation by AS-ODN treatment; proliferation of K562 cells is not inhibited by AS-ODN treatment. B, Western blot analysis of endogenous KSR1 gene expression in K562 and PANC-1 cells. Treatment of K562 cells with 5 μM KSR AS-ODN-1 elicited comparable reduction of endogenous KSR1 gene expression (over 80%) to that observed in PANC-1 cells.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the present invention there may be employed conventional molecular biology, microbiology, and recombinant DNA techniques within the skill of the art. Such techniques are explained fully in the literature. See, e.g., Sambrook et al, “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual” (1989); “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology” Volumes I-III [Ausubel, R. M., ed. (1994)]; “Cell Biology: A Laboratory Handbook” Volumes I-III [J. E. Celis, ed. (1994))]; ”Current Protocols in Immunology” Volumes I-III [Coligan, J. E., ed. (1994)]; “Oligonucleotide Synthesis” (M. J. Gait ed. 1984); “Nucleic Acid Hybridization” [B. D. Hames & S. J. Higgins eds. (1985)]; “Transcription And Translation” [B. D. Hames & S. J. Higgins, eds. (1984)); “Animal Cell Culture” [R. I. Freshney, ed. (1986)]; “Immobilized Cells And Enzymes” [IRL Press, (1986)]; B. Perbal, “A Practical Guide To Molecular Cloning” (1984).

Therefore, if appearing herein, the following terms shall have the definitions set out below.

The terms “oligonucleotides”, “antisense”, “antisense oligonucleotides”, “KSR ODN”, “KSR antisense” and any variants not specifically listed, may be used herein interchangeably, and as used throughout the present application and claims refer to nucleic acid material including single or multiplenucleic acids, and extends to those oligonucleotides complementary to the nucleic acid sequences described herein, including as presented in FIGS. 12A and 12B and in SEQ ID NOS: 11 and 12, including conserved and activity domains thereof as depicted in FIG. 11, and having the profile of activities set forth herein and in the Claims, particularly in being capable of inhibiting the expression of KSR. In particular, the oligonucleotides of the present invention may be substantially complementary to nucleic acid sequence specific to KSR, as provided in SEQ ID NO: 1, or to a portion thereof, as provided for example in SEQ ID NO: 3, 4 and 5. Accordingly, nucleic acids or analogs thereof displaying substantially equivalent or altered activity are likewise contemplated. These modifications may be deliberate, for example, such as modifications obtained through site-directed mutagenesis, or may be accidental, such as those obtained through mutations in hosts that are producers of the nucleic acids or of KSR.

NH₂ refers to the free amino group present at the amino terminus of a polypeptide. COOH refers to the free carboxy group present at the carboxy terminus of a polypeptide. In keeping with standard polypeptide nomenclature, J. Biol. Chem., 243:3552-59 (1969), abbreviations for amino acid residues are shown in the following Table of Correspondence: TABLE OF CORRESPONDENCE SYMBOL 1-Letter 3-Letter AMINO ACID Y Tyr tyrosine G Gly glycine F Phe phenylalanine M Met methionine A Ala alanine S Ser serine I Ile isoleucine L Leu leucine T Thr threonine V Val valine P Pro proline K Lys lysine H His histidine Q Gln glutamine E Glu glutamic acid W Trp tryptophan R Arg arginine D Asp aspartic acid N Asn asparagine C Cys cysteine

It should be noted that all amino-acid residue sequences are represented herein by formulae whose left and right orientation is in the conventional direction of amino-terminus to carboxy-terminus. Furthermore, it should be noted that a dash at the beginning or end of an amino acid residue sequence indicates a peptide bond to a further sequence of one or more amino-acid residues. The above Table is presented to correlate the three-letter and one-letter notations which may appear alternately herein.

A “replicon” is any genetic element (e.g., plasmid, chromosome, virus) that functions as an autonomous unit of DNA replication in vivo; i.e., capable of replication under its own control.

A “vector” is a replicon, such as plasmid, phage, virus, retrovirus or cosmid, to which another DNA segment may be attached so as to bring about the replication of the attached segment.

A “DNA molecule” refers to the polymeric form of deoxyribonucleotides (adenine, guanine, thymine, or cytosine) in its either single stranded form, or a double-stranded helix. This term refers only to the primary and secondary structure of the molecule, and does not limit it to any particular tertiary forms. Thus, this term includes double-stranded DNA found, inter alia, in linear DNA molecules (e.g., restriction fragments), viruses, plasmids, and chromosomes. In discussing the structure of particular double-stranded DNA molecules, sequences may be described herein according to the normal convention of giving only the sequence in the 5′ to 3′ direction along the nontranscribed strand of DNA (i.e., the strand having a sequence homologous to the mRNA).

An “origin of replication” refers to those DNA sequences that participate in DNA synthesis.

A DNA “coding sequence” is a double-stranded DNA sequence which is transcribed and translated into a polypeptide in vivo when placed under the control of appropriate regulatory sequences. The boundaries of the coding sequence are determined by a start codon at the 5′ (amino) terminus and a translation stop codon at the 3′ (carboxyl) terminus. A coding sequence can include, but is not limited to, prokaryotic sequences, cDNA from eukaryotic mRNA, genomic DNA sequences from eukaryotic (e.g., mammalian) DNA, and even synthetic DNA sequences. A polyadenylation signal and transcription termination sequence will usually be located 3′ to the coding sequence.

Transcriptional and translational control sequences are DNA regulatory sequences, such as promoters, enhancers, polyadenylation signals, terminators, and the like, that provide for the expression of a coding sequence in a host cell.

A “promoter sequence” is a DNA regulatory region capable of binding RNA polymerase in a cell and initiating transcription of a downstream (3′ direction) coding sequence. For purposes of defining the present invention, the promoter sequence is bounded at its 3′ terminus by the transcription initiation site and extends upstream (5′ direction) to include the minimum number of bases or elements necessary to initiate transcription at levels detectable above background. Within the promoter sequence will be found a transcription initiation site (conveniently defined by mapping with nuclease S1), as well as protein binding domains (consensus sequences) responsible for the binding of RNA polymerase. Eukaryotic promoters will often, but not always, contain “TATA” boxes and “CAT” boxes. Prokaryotic promoters contain Shine-Dalgarno sequences in addition to the −10 and −35 consensus sequences.

An “expression control sequence” is a DNA sequence that controls and regulates the transcription and translation of another DNA sequence. A coding sequence is “under the control” of transcriptional and translational control sequences in a cell when RNA polymerase transcribes the coding sequence into mRNA, which is then translated into the protein encoded by the coding sequence.

A “signal sequence” can be included before the coding sequence. This sequence encodes a signal peptide, N-terminal to the polypeptide, that communicates to the host cell to direct the polypeptide to the cell surface or secrete the polypeptide into the media, and this signal peptide is clipped off by the host cell before the protein leaves the cell. Signal sequences can be found associated with a variety of proteins native to prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

The term “oligonucleotide,” as used herein in referring to a nucleic acid of the present invention, is defined as a molecule comprised of two or more ribonucleotides, preferably more than three. Its exact size will depend upon many factors which, in turn, depend upon the ultimate function and use of the oligonucleotide. In particular, and in accordance with the present invention, the oligonucleotide should particularly associate with the RNA encoding KSR and should be of the appropriate sequence and size or length so as to specifically and stably associate with the target RNA such that expression (i.e., translation) of the RNA is blocked or such that stability of the RNA is negatively affected. In one particular aspect of the invention, the antisense oligonucleotides of the present invention are from about 8 to about 50 nucleotides in length, particularly oligonucleotides from 10 to 30 nucleotides in length, particularly oligonucleotides from 15 to 25 nucleotides.

The term “primer” as used herein refers to an oligonucleotide, whether occurring naturally as in a purified restriction digest or produced synthetically, which is capable of acting as a point of initiation of synthesis when placed under conditions in which synthesis of a primer extension product, which is complementary to a nucleic acid strand, is induced, i.e., in the presence of nucleotides and an inducing agent such as a DNA polymerase and at a suitable temperature and pH. The primer may be either single-stranded or double-stranded and must be sufficiently long to prime the synthesis of the desired extension product in the presence of the inducing agent. The exact length of the primer will depend upon many factors, including temperature, source of primer and use of the method. For example, for diagnostic applications, depending on the complexity of the target sequence, the oligonucleotide primer typically contains 15-25 or more nucleotides, although it may contain fewer nucleotides.

The primers herein are selected to be “substantially” complementary to different strands of a particular target DNA sequence. This means that the primers must be sufficiently complementary to hybridize with their respective strands. Therefore, the primer sequence need not reflect the exact sequence of the template. For example, a non-complementary nucleotide fragment may be attached to the 5′ end of the primer, with the remainder of the primer sequence being complementary to the strand. Alternatively, non-complementary bases or longer sequences can be interspersed into the primer, provided that the primer sequence has sufficient complementarity with the sequence of the strand to hybridize therewith and thereby form the template for the synthesis of the extension product.

As used herein, the terms “restriction endonucleases” and “restriction enzymes” refer to bacterial enzymes, each of which cut double-stranded DNA at or near a specific nucleotide sequence.

A cell has been “transformed” by exogenous or heterologous DNA when such DNA has been introduced inside the cell. The transforming DNA may or may not be integrated (covalently linked) into chromosomal DNA making up the genome of the cell. In prokaryotes, yeast, and mammalian cells for example, the transforming DNA may be maintained on an episomal element such as a plasmid. With respect to eukaryotic cells, a stably transformed cell is one in which the transforming DNA has become integrated into a chromosome so that it is inherited by daughter cells through chromosome replication. This stability is demonstrated by the ability of the eukaryotic cell to establish cell lines or clones comprised of a population of daughter cells containing the transforming DNA. A “clone” is a population of cells derived from a single cell or common ancestor by mitosis. A “cell line” is a clone of a primary cell that is capable of stable growth in vitro for many generations.

Two DNA sequences are “substantially homologous” when at least about 75% (preferably at least about 80%, and most preferably at least about 90 or 95%) of the nucleotides match over the defined length of the DNA sequences. Sequences that are substantially homologous can be identified by comparing the sequences using standard software available in sequence data banks, or in a Southern hybridization experiment under, for example, stringent conditions as defined for that particular system. Defining appropriate hybridization conditions is within the skill of the art. See, e.g., Maniatis et al., supra; DNA Cloning, Vols. I & II, supra; Nucleic Acid Hybridization, supra.

It should be appreciated that also within the scope of the present invention are DNA or nucleic acid sequences which code for KSR having the same amino acid sequence as the KSR sequences disclosed herein, including SEQ ID NO: 11 and SEQ ID NO: 12, but which are degenerate these sequences. By “degenerate to” is meant that a different three-letter codon is used to specify a particular amino acid. It is well known in the art that the following codons can be used interchangeably to code for each specific amino acid: Phenylalanine (Phe or F) UUU or UUC Leucine (Leu or L) UUA or UUG or CUU or CUC or CUA or CUG Isoleucine (Ile or I) AUU or AUC or AUA Methionine (Met or M) AUG Valine (Val or V) GUU or GUC of GUA or GUG Serine (Ser or S) UCU or UCC or UCA or UCG or AGU or AGC Proline (Pro or P) CCU or CCC or CCA or CCG Threonine (Thr or T) ACU or ACC or ACA or ACG Alanine (Ala or A) GCU or GCG or GCA or GCG Tyrosine (Tyr or Y) UAU or UAC Histidine (His or H) CAU or CAC Glutamine (Gln or Q) CAA or CAG Asparagine (Asn or N) AAU or AAC Lysine (Lys or K) AAA or AAG Aspartic Acid (Asp or D) GAU or GAC Glutamic Acid (Glu or E) GAA or GAG Cysteine (Cys or C) UGU or UGC Arginine (Arg or R) CGU or CGC or CGA or CGG or AGA or AGG Glycine (Gly or G) GGU or GGC or GGA or GGG Tryptophan (Trp or W) UGG Termination codon UAA (ochre) or UAG (amber) or UGA (opal)

It should be understood that the codons specified above are for RNA sequences. The corresponding codons for DNA have a T substituted for U.

Mutations can be made in ksr such that a particular codon is changed to a codon which codes for a different amino acid. Such a mutation is generally made by making the fewest nucleotide changes possible. A substitution mutation of this sort can be made to change an amino acid in the resulting protein in a non-conservative manner (i.e., by changing the codon from an amino acid belonging to a grouping of amino acids having a particular size or characteristic to an amino acid belonging to another grouping) or in a conservative manner (i.e., by changing the codon from an amino acid belonging to a grouping of amino acids having a particular size or characteristic to an amino acid belonging to the same grouping). Such a conservative change generally leads to less change in the structure and function of the resulting protein. A non-conservative change is more likely to alter the structure, activity or function of the resulting protein. The present invention should be considered to include sequences containing conservative changes which do not significantly alter the activity or binding characteristics of the resulting protein.

The following is one example of various groupings of amino acids:

Amino acids with nonpolar R groups

Alanine, Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Proline, Phenylalanine, Tryptophan, Methionine

Amino acids with uncharged polar R groups

Glycine, Serine, Threonine, Cysteine, Tyrosine, Asparagine, Glutamine

Amino acids with charged polar R groups (negatively charged at Ph 6.0)

Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid

Basic amino acids (positively charged at pH 6.0)

Lysine, Arginine, Histidine (at pH 6.0)

Another grouping may be those amino acids with phenyl groups:

Phenylalanine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine

Another grouping may be according to molecular weight (i.e., size of R groups): Glycine 75 Alanine 89 Serine 105 Proline 115 Valine 117 Threonine 119 Cysteine 121 Leucine 131 Isoleucine 131 Asparagine 132 Aspartic acid 133 Glutamine 146 Lysine 146 Glutamic acid 147 Methionine 149 Histidine (at pH 6.0) 155 Phenylalanine 165 Arginine 174 Tyrosine 181 Tryptophan 204

Particularly preferred substitutions are:

Lys for Arg and vice versa such that a positive charge may be maintained;

Glu for Asp and vice versa such that a negative charge may be maintained;

Ser for Thr such that a free —OH can be maintained; and

Gln for Asn such that a free NH₂ can be maintained.

Amino acid substitutions may also be introduced to substitute an amino acid with a particularly preferable property. For example, a Cys may be introduced a potential site for disulfide bridges with another Cys. A His may be introduced as a particularly “catalytic” site (i.e., His can act as an acid or base and is the most common amino acid in biochemical catalysis). Pro may be introduced because of its particularly planar structure, which induces β-turns in the protein's structure.

Two amino acid sequences are “substantially homologous” when at least about 70% of the amino acid residues (preferably at least about 80%, and most preferably at least about 90 or 95%) are identical, or represent conservative substitutions.

A “heterologous” region of the DNA construct is an identifiable segment of DNA within a larger DNA molecule that is not found in association with the larger molecule in nature. Thus, when the heterologous region encodes a mammalian gene, the gene will usually be flanked by DNA that does not flank the mammalian genomic DNA in the genome of the source organism. Another example of a heterologous coding sequence is a construct where the coding sequence itself is not found in nature (e.g., a cDNA where the genomic coding sequence contains introns, or synthetic sequences having codons different than the native gene). Allelic variations or naturally-occurring mutational events do not give rise to a heterologous region of DNA as defined herein.

The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to molecular entities and compositions that are physiologically tolerable and do not typically produce an allergic or similar untoward reaction, such as gastric upset, dizziness and the like, when administered to a human.

The phrase “therapeutically effective amount” is used herein to mean an amount sufficient to prevent, and preferably reduce by at least about 30 percent, more preferably by at least 50 percent, more preferably by at least 70 percent, most preferably by at least 90 percent, a clinically significant change in the mitotic activity of a target cellular mass, or other feature of pathology such as for example, reduced tumor mass, reduced tumor cell proliferation, reduction in metastatic capacity, or enhanced apoptosis, as may attend its presence and activity.

As used herein, “pg” means picogram, “ng” means nanogram, “ug” or “[μg” mean microgram, “mg” means milligram, “ul” or “μl” mean microliter, “ml” means milliliter, “l” means liter.

A DNA sequence is “operatively linked” to an expression control sequence when the expression control sequence controls and regulates the transcription and translation of that DNA sequence. The term “operatively linked” includes having an appropriate start signal (e.g., ATG) in front of the DNA sequence to be expressed and maintaining the correct reading frame to permit expression of the DNA sequence under the control of the expression control sequence and production of the desired product encoded by the DNA sequence. If a gene that one desires to insert into a recombinant DNA molecule does not contain an appropriate start signal, such a start signal can be inserted in front of the gene.

The term “standard hybridization conditions” refers to salt and temperature conditions substantially equivalent to 5×SSC and 65° C. for both hybridization and wash. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that such “standard hybridization conditions” are dependent on particular conditions including the concentration of sodium and magnesium in the buffer, nucleotide sequence length and concentration, percent mismatch, percent formamide, and the like. Also important in the determination of “standard hybridization conditions” is whether the two sequences hybridizing are RNA-RNA, DNA-DNA or RNA-DNA. Such standard hybridization conditions are easily determined by one skilled in the art according to well known formulae, wherein hybridization is typically 10-20° C. below the predicted or determined T_(m) with washes of higher stringency, if desired.

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the specific inhibition of expression and/or activity of kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR). In particular, the invention provides genetic approaches and nucleic acids for the specific inhibition of KSR. It is herein demonstrated that on specific inhibition of KSR the Ras pathway is disrupted and, specifically, that Ras-mediated tumors, tumorigenesis and metastasis regress, are inhibited, or are blocked. In particular antisense oligonucleotides and the expression of nucleic acid complementary to KSR RNA specifically inhibits expression of KSR and blocks gf Ras mediated tumorigenesis.

The present invention provides an oligonucleotide which is substantially complementary to a region of KSR RNA, wherein said oligonucleotide inhibits the expression of KSR. The invention further provides an oligonucleotide which is substantially complementary to a nucleic acid encoding mammalian KSR. In a particular embodiment, an oligonucleotide is provided which is substantially complementary to a nucleic acid encoding human KSR.

In an aspect of the invention an oligonucleotide is provided which is substantially complementary to a translation initiation site, 5′ untranslated region, coding region or 3′ untranslated region of mRNA encoding mammalian KSR. In one embodiment, the invention includes an antisense oligonucleotide comprising a sequence substantially complementary to the CA1 region of KSR (SEQ ID NO: 1). The invention provides oligonucleotides comprising a sequence substantially complementary to nucleotides encoding amino acids 42 to 82 (amino acids SEQ ID NO: 2), or a portion thereof, of the sequence of KSR.

In a further embodiment, the invention includes an antisense oligonucleotide comprising a sequence substantially complementary to nucleotides 124 to 243 (SEQ ID NO: 1) of the coding sequence of KSR, or a portion thereof. The invention provides an oligonucleotide comprising a sequence substantially complementary to nucleotides encoding amino acids 42 to 82 of KSR or a portion thereof. In particular, oligonucleotides of the invention include oligonucleotides comprising a sequence substantially complementary to nucleotides selected from the group of 151 to 179 (SEQ ID NO: 3), 181 to 189 (SEQ ID NO: 4)and 214 to 231(SEQ ID NO: 5) of the sequence of KSR. The invention includes antisense oligonucleotides comprising a sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 8.

In a particular aspect, the nucleic acids and oligonucleotides of the present invention may be modified, either by manipulation of the chemical backbone of the nucleic acids or by covalent or non-covalent attachment of other moieties. In each or any case, such manipulation or attachment may serve to modify the stability, cellular, tissue or organ uptake, or otherwise enhance efficacy of the nucleic acids and covalently linked to other molecules, including but not limited to polypeptides, carbohydrates, lipid or lipid-like moieties, ligands, chemical agents or compounds, which may serve to enhance the uptake, stability or to target the oligonucleotides.

In further embodiments, the oligonucleotides of the present invention are modified in their chemical backbone. In a particular embodiment, the oligonucleotides comprise at least one phosphorothioate linkage.

The oligonucleotides of the present invention may be combined with oligonucleotides directed to other targets, by mixture or by non-covalent or covalent attachment. For instance, the KSR antisense oligonucleotides of the present invention may be combined with antisense directed to raf as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,636 (incorporated herein by reference) or to other oncogenic or proliferative proteins.

Recombinant DNA molecules comprising a nucleic acid sequence which encodes on transcription an antisense RNA complementary to mammalian KSR RNA or a portion thereof are provided by the invention. Further, the recombinant DNA molecules comprise a nucleic acid sequence wherein said nucleic acid sequence is operatively linked to a transcription control sequence. Cell lines transfected with these recombinant DNA molecules are also included in the invention.

In a further aspect, an expression vector is provided which is capable of expressing a nucleic acid which is substantially complementary to the coding sequence of KSR RNA, or a portion thereof, wherein said nucleic acid inhibits the expression of KSR. In a particular aspect, this includes an expression vector capable of expressing an oligonucleotide which is substantially complementary to the CA1 region of the coding sequence of KSR RNA, or a portion thereof, wherein said oligonucleotide inhibits the expression of KSR.

In an additional embodiment, the invention provides a composition comprising an expression vector and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent, wherein said expression vector is capable of expressing nucleic acid which is substantially complementary to the coding sequence of KSR RNA, or a portion thereof, wherein said nucleic acid inhibits the expression of KSR.

Methods for inhibiting expression of KSR are provided. In one aspect, a method of inhibiting the expression of mammalian KSR comprising contacting cells which express KSR with an effective amount of a nucleic acid which is complementary to a portion of the mRNA encoding KSR is included. In particular, a method of inhibiting the expression of mammalian KSR is provided, comprising contacting cells which express KSR with an effective amount of the oligonucleotide of the present invention whereby expression of mammalian KSR is inhibited.

In addition, a method is provided for identifying compounds or agents which inhibit the expression of KSR comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) incubating a cell expressing KSR in the presence and absence         of a candidate compound or agent; and     -   (b) detecting or measuring the expression of KSR in the presence         and absence of a candidate compound or agent,         whereby a decrease in the expression of KSR in the presence of         said candidate compound or agent versus in the absence of said         candidate compound or agent indicates that said compound or         agent inhibits the expression of KSR.

Methods for inhibiting activity, including and preferably kinase or phosphorylation activity, of KSR are provided. In one aspect, a method of inhibiting the activity of mammalian KSR comprising contacting cells which express KSR with an effective amount of a compound or agent that inhibits or blocks KSR is included. In particular, a method of inhibiting the activity of mammalian KSR is provided, comprising contacting cells which express KSR with an effective amount of a compound, agent or composition of the present invention whereby activity of mammalian KSR is inhibited.

In addition, a method is provided for identifying compounds or agents which inhibit the activity, including kinase or phosphorylation activity, of KSR comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) incubating a cell expressing KSR in the presence and absence         of a candidate compound or agent; and     -   (b) detecting or measuring the activity of KSR in the presence         and absence of a candidate compound or agent,         whereby a decrease in the activity of KSR in the presence of         said candidate compound or agent versus in the absence of said         candidate compound or agent indicates that said compound or         agent inhibits the activity of KSR. In one aspect of the         invention the activity and/or expression of KSR may be assessed         or monitored by determining the phosphorylation status of the         KSR kinase target or of a peptide comprising a kinase target         sequence domain. For instance, the phosphorylation status of Raf         or a Raf-derived peptide may be utilized in such an assessment.         The activity or expression of KSR may also be assessed in vitro         or in vivo in tumor cells or tumor animal models, whereby Ras         mediated tumorigenesis, cell proliferation or metastasis is         monitored, including as described in the Examples herein.

The present invention naturally contemplates several means for preparation of the nucleic acids and oligonucleotides of the present invention, including as illustrated herein known recombinant techniques, and the invention is accordingly intended to cover such synthetic preparations within its scope. The knowledge of the cDNA and amino acid sequences of KSR as disclosed herein facilitates the preparation of the nucleic acids of the invention by such recombinant techniques, and accordingly, the invention extends to expression vectors prepared from the disclosed DNA sequences for expression in host systems by recombinant DNA techniques, and to the resulting transformed hosts.

Another feature of this invention is the expression of the nucleic acids disclosed herein. As is well known in the art, nucleic acid or DNA sequences may be expressed by operatively linking them to an expression control sequence in an appropriate expression vector and employing that expression vector to transform an appropriate unicellular host.

Such operative linking of a nucleic acid sequence of this invention to an expression control sequence, of course, includes, if not already part of the DNA sequence, the provision of an initiation codon, ATG, in the correct reading frame upstream of the DNA sequence.

A wide variety of host/expression vector combinations may be employed in expressing the DNA sequences of this invention. Useful expression vectors, for example, may consist of segments of chromosomal, non-chromosomal and synthetic DNA sequences. Suitable vectors include derivatives of SV40 and known bacterial plasmids, e.g., E. coli plasmids col E1, pCR1, pBR322, pMB9 and their derivatives, plasmids such as RP4; phage DNAS, e.g., the numerous derivatives of phage λ, e.g., NM989, and other phage DNA, e.g., M13 and filamentous single stranded phage DNA; yeast plasmids such as the 2μ plasmid or derivatives thereof; vectors useful in eukaryotic cells, such as vectors useful in insect or mammalian cells; vectors derived from combinations of plasmids and phage DNAs, such as plasmids that have been modified to employ phage DNA or other expression control sequences; and the like. In addition, viral and retroviral vectors, including but not limited to adenovirus and adeno-associated virus, may be useful in such expression.

Any of a wide variety of expression control sequences—sequences that control the expression of a DNA sequence operatively linked to it—may be used in these vectors to express the DNA sequences of this invention. Such useful expression control sequences include, for example, the early or late promoters of SV40, CMV, vaccinia, polyoma or adenovirus, the lac system, the trp system, the TAC system, the TRC system, the LTR system, the major operator and promoter regions of phage λ, the control regions of fd coat protein, the promoter for 3-phosphoglycerate kinase or other glycolytic enzymes, the promoters of acid phosphatase (e.g., Pho5), the promoters of the yeast-mating factors, and other sequences known to control the expression of genes of prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells or their viruses, and various combinations thereof.

A wide variety of unicellular host cells are also useful in expressing the DNA sequences of this invention. These hosts may include well known eukaryotic and prokaryotic hosts, such as strains of E. coli, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Streptomyces, fungi such as yeasts, and animal cells, such as CHO, R1.1, B-W and L-M cells, African Green Monkey kidney cells (e.g., COS 1, COS 7, BSC1, BSC40, and BMT10), insect cells (e.g., Sf9), and tumor cells, transformed cells, human cells and plant cells in tissue culture.

It will be understood that not all vectors, expression control sequences and hosts will function equally well to express the DNA sequences of this invention. Neither will all hosts function equally well with the same expression system. However, one skilled in the art will be able to select the proper vectors, expression control sequences, and hosts without undue experimentation to accomplish the desired expression without departing from the scope of this invention. For example, in selecting a vector, the host must be considered because the vector must function in it. The vector's copy number, the ability to control that copy number, and the expression of any other proteins encoded by the vector, such as antibiotic markers, will also be considered.

In selecting an expression control sequence, a variety of factors will normally be considered. These include, for example, the relative strength of the system, its controllability, and its compatibility with the particular DNA sequence or gene to be expressed, particularly as regards potential secondary structures. Suitable unicellular hosts will be selected by consideration of, e.g., their compatibility with the chosen vector, their secretion characteristics, their ability to fold proteins correctly, and their fermentation requirements, as well as the toxicity to the host of the product encoded by the DNA sequences to be expressed, and the ease of purification of the expression products. Considering these and other factors a person skilled in the art will be able to construct a variety of vector/expression control sequence/host combinations that will express the DNA sequences of this invention on fermentation or in large scale animal culture.

The present invention further includes transgenic animals and animal models wherein KSR is knocked out or otherwise nullified (as in the ksr^(−/−) animals described herein) or wherein KSR is overexpressed as further described herein. Such animal models include mammals for instance mice, rats, pigs, rabbits, dogs, monkeys, etc. and any other recognized vertebrate or invertebrate system for study, including ducks, fish, drosphila, C. elegans, etc. In the case of nullified KSR, these animals are useful for the study of oncogenesis or the blockage of tumorigenesis in a KSR null background, including to identify other factors in tumorigenesis or metastasis. In the case of KSR overexpressors, wherein tumorigenesis, cell proliferation and metastasis is enhanced, these systems may be useful for the rapid study of tumor models and for evaluating potential anti-cancer compounds or agents, including those targeting KSR as well as other pathways.

As mentioned above, nucleic acids and oligonucleotides of the present invention can be prepared synthetically rather than cloned. In general, one will select preferred codons for the intended host if the sequence will be used for expression. The complete sequence is assembled from overlapping oligonucleotides prepared by standard methods and assembled into a complete coding sequence. See, e.g., Edge, Nature, 292:756 (1981); Nambair et al., Science, 223:1299 (1984); Jay et al., J. Biol. Chem., 259:6311 (1984).

Antisense nucleic acids are DNA or RNA molecules that are complementary to at least a portion of a specific mRNA molecule. (See Weintraub, 1990; Marcus-Sekura, 1988.) In the cell, they hybridize to that mRNA, forming a double stranded molecule and interfering with the expression of mRNA into protein. Antisense methods have been used to inhibit the expression of many genes in vitro (Marcus-Sekura, 1988; Hambor et al., 1988).

The antisense oligonucleotides of the invention are selected as substantially complementary to a region of KSR mRNA. The oligonucleotides of the present invention may be complementary to regions including but not limited to: a) the 5′-cap site of an mRNA molecule (Ojala et al. (1997) Antisense Nucl. Drug Dev. 7:31-38); b) the transcription start site (Monia et al. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267:19954-19962); c) the translation initiation codon (Dean et al. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 91:11762-11766); d) the translation stop codon (Wang et al. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92:3318-3322); e) mRNA splice sites (Agrawal et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 86:7790-7794; Colige et al. (1993) Biochem. 32:7-11); f) the 5′-untranslated region of mRNA molecules (Duff et al. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270:7161-7166; Yamagami et al. (1996) Blood 87:2878-2884); g) the 3′-untranslated region of mRNA molecules (Bennett et al. (1994) J. Immunol. 152:3530-3540; Dean et al. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269:16146-16424); and h) the coding region (Laptev et al. (1994) Biochem. 33:11033-11039; Yamagami et al. (1996) Blood 87:2878-2884).

The skilled artisan can readily utilize any of several strategies to facilitate and simplify the selection process for nucleic acids and oligonucleotides effective in inhibition of KSR expression. Predictions of the binding energy or calculation of thermodynamic indices between an olionucleotide and a complementary sequence in an mRNA molecule may be utilized (Chiang et al. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266:18162-18171; Stull et al. (1992) Nucl. Acids Res. 20:3501-3508). Antisense oligonucleotides may be selected on the basis of secondary structure (Wickstrom et al (1991) in Prospects for Antisense Nucleic Acid Therapy of Cancer and AIDS, Wickstrom, ed., Wiley-Liss, Inc., New York, pp. 7-24; Lima et al. (1992) Biochem. 31:12055-12061). Schmidt and Thompson (U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,951) describe a method for identifying a functional antisense agent comprising hybridizing an RNA with an oligonucleotide and measuring in real time the kinetics of hybridization by hybridizing in the presence of an intercalation dye or incorporating a label and measuring the spectroscopic properties of the dye or the label's signal in the presence of unlabelled oligonucleotide. In addition, any of a variety of computer programs may be utilized which predict suitable antisense oligonucleotide sequences or antisense targets utilizing various criteria recognized by the skilled artisan, including for example the absence of self-complementarity, the absence hairpin loops, the absence of stable homodimer and duplex formation (stability being assessed by predicted energy in kcal/mol). Examples of such computer programs are readily available and known to the skilled artisan and include the OLIGO 4 or OLIGO 6 program (Molecular Biology Insights, Inc., Cascade, Colo.) and the Oligo Tech program (Oligo Therapeutics Inc., Wilsonville, Oreg.).

In addition, antisense oligonucleotides suitable in the present invention may be identified by screening an oligonucleotide library, or a library of nucleic acid molecules, under hybridization conditions and selecting for those which hybridize to the target RNA or nucleic acid (see for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,615). Mishra and Toulme have also developed a selection procedure based on selective amplification of oligonucleotides that bind target (Mishra et al (1994) Life Sciences 317:977-982). Oligonucleotides may also be selected by their ability to mediate cleavage of target RNA by RNAse H, by selection and characterization of the cleavage fragments (Ho et al (1996) Nucl Acids Res 24:1901-1907; Ho et al (1998) Nature Biotechnology 16:59-630). Generation and targeting of oligonucleotides to GGGA motifs of RNA molecules has also been described (U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,981).

Inhibition of ksr gene expression can be measured in ways which are routine in the art, for example by Northern blot assay of mRNA expression or Western blot assay of protein expression as well known to the skilled artisan. Effects on cell proliferation or tumor cell growth can also be measured, in vitro or in vivo, in cell, tumor or animal model systems, by methods well known to the skilled artisan, including as taught in the examples of the instant application. Similarly, inhibition of KSR activity, particularly phosphorylationm or kinase activity may be measured.

“Substantially complementary” is used to indicate a sufficient degree of complementarity such that stable and specific binding occurs between the DNA or RNA target and the oligonucleotide or nucleic acid. It is understood that an oligonucleotide need not be 100% complementary to its target nucleic acid sequence to be specifically hybridizable. An oligonucleotide is specifically hybridizable when binding of the oligonucleotide to the target interferes with the normal function of the target molecule to cause a loss of utility or expression, and there is a sufficient degree of complementarity to avoid non-specific binding of the oligonucleotide to non-target sequences under physiological conditions in the case of in vivo assays or therapeutic treatment or, in the case of in vitro assays, under conditions in which the assays are conducted.

In the context of this invention, the term “oligonucleotide” refers to an oligomer or polymer of nucleotide or nucleoside monomers consisting of naturally occurring bases, sugars and intersugar (backbone) linkages. Oligonucleotide includes oligomers comprising non-naturally occurring monomers, or portions thereof, which function similarly and such modified or substituted oligonucleotides may be preferred over native forms because of, for example, enhanced cellular uptake and increased stability against nucleases. The oligonucleotides of the present invention may contain two or more chemically distinct regions, each made up of at least one nucleotide, for instance, at least one region of modified nucleotides that confers one or more beneficial properties (for example, increased nuclease resistance, increased uptake into cells, increased binding affinity for the RNA target) and a region that is a substrate for enzymes capable of cleaving RNA:DNA or RNA:RNA hybrids (for example, RNase H—a cellular endonuclease which cleaves the RNA strand of an RNA:DNA duplex).

In a preferred embodiment, the region of the oligonucleotide which is modified to increase KSR mRNA binding affinity comprises at least one nucleotide modified at the 2′ position of the sugar, most preferably a 2′-O-alkyl, 2′-O-alkyl-O-alkyl or 2′-fluoro-modified nucleotide. Such modifications are routinely incorporated into oligonucleotides and these oligonucleotides have been shown to have a higher Tm (i.e., higher target binding affinity) than 2′-deoxyoligonucleotides against a given target. In another preferred embodiment, the oligonucleotide is modified to enhance nuclease resistance. Cells contain a variety of exo- and endo-nucleases which can degrade nucleic acids. A number of nucleotide and nucleoside modifications have been shown to confer relatively greater resistance to nuclease digestion. Oligonucleotides which contain at least one phosphorothioate modification are presently more preferred (Geary, R. S. et al (1997) Anticancer Drug Des 12:383-93; Henry, S. P. et al (1997) Anticancer Drug Des 12:395-408; Banerjee, D. (2001) Curr Opin Investig Drugs 2:574-80). In some cases, oligonucleotide modifications which enhance target binding affinity are also, independently, able to enhance nuclease resistance.

Specific examples of some preferred oligonucleotides envisioned for this invention include those containing modified backbones, for example, phosphorothioates, phosphotriesters, methyl phosphonates, short chain alkyl or cycloalkyl intersugar linkages or short chain heteroatomic or heterocyclic intersugar linkages. Most preferred are oligonucleotides with phosphorothioate backbones and those with heteroatom backbones. The amide backbones disclosed by De Mesmaeker et al. (1995) Acc. Chem. Res. 28:366-374) are also preferred. Also preferred are oligonucleotides having morpholino backbone structures (Summerton and Weller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,506). In other preferred embodiments, such as the peptide nucleic acid (PNA) backbone, the phosphodiester backbone of the oligonucleotide is replaced with a polyamide backbone, the nucleobases being bound directly or indirectly to the aza nitrogen atoms of the polyamide backbone (Nielsen et al., Science, 1991, 254, 1497). Oligonucleotides may also contain one or more substituted sugar moieties. Preferred oligonucleotides comprise one of the following at the 2′ position: OH, SH, SCH₃, F, OCN, heterocycloalkyl; heterocycloalkaryl; aminoalkylamino; polyalkylamino; substituted silyl; an RNA cleaving group; a reporter group; an intercalator; a group for improving the pharmacokinetic properties of an oligonucleotide; or a group for improving the pharmacodynamic properties of an oligonucleotide and other substituents having similar properties. Similar modifications may also be made at other positions on the oligonucleotide, particularly the 3′ position of the sugar on the 3′ terminal nucleotide and the 5′ position of 5′ terminal nucleotide.

Oligonucleotides may also include, additionally or alternatively base modifications or substitutions. As used herein, “unmodified” or “natural” nucleobases include adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T), cytosine (C) and uracil (U). Modified nucleobases include nucleobases found only infrequently or transiently in natural nucleic acids, e.g., hypoxanthine, 6-methyladenine, 5-me pyrimidines, particularly 5-methylcytosine (5-me-C) (Sanghvi, Y. S., in Crooke, S. T. and Lebleu, B., eds., Antisense Research and Applications, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1993, pp. 276-278), 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (HMC), glycosyl HMC and gentobiosyl HMC, as well as synthetic nucleobases, including but not limited to, 2-aminoadenine, 2-thiouracil, 2-thiothymine, 5-bromouracil, 5-hydroxymethyluracil, 8-azaguanine, 7-deazaguanine (Kornberg, A., DNA Replication, W. H. Freeman & Co., San Francisco, 1980, pp 75-77; Gebeyehu, G., et al., 1987, Nucl. Acids Res. 15:4513). A “universal” base known in the art, e.g., inosine, may be included.

Another modification of the oligonucleotides of the invention involves chemically linking to the oligonucleotide one or more moieties or conjugates which enhance the activity or cellular uptake of the oligonucleotide. Such moieties include but are not limited to lipid moieties such as a cholesterol moiety, a cholesteryl moiety (Letsinger et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86: 6553), cholic acid (Manoharan et al. (1994) Bioorg. Med. Chem. Let. 4:1053), a thioether, for example, hexyl-S-tritylthiol (Manoharan et al. (1992) Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 660: 306; Manoharan et al. (1993) Bioorg. Med. Chem. Let. 3: 2765), a thiocholesterol (Oberhauser et al. (1992) Nucl. Acids Res.20:533), an aliphatic chain, for example, dodecandiol or undecyl residues (Saison-Behmoaras et al. (1991) EMBO J. 10:111; Kabanov et al. (1990) FEBS Lett. 259:327; Svinarchuk et al. (1993) Biochimie 75:49), a phospholipid, a polyamine or a polyethylene glycol chain (Manoharan et al. (1995) Nucleosides & Nucleotides 14:969). Oligonucleotides comprising lipophilic moieties, and methods for preparing such oligonucleotides are known in the art, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,138,045, 5,218,105 and 5,459,255.

Farrel and Kloster (U.S. Pat. No. 6,310,047) describe the enhancement of delivery and of in vivo nuclease resistance of antisense oligonucleotides using high affinity DNA binding polynuclear platinum compounds.

It is not necessary for all positions in a given oligonucleotide to be uniformly modified, and more than one of the aforementioned modifications may be incorporated in a single oligonucleotide or even at a single nucleoside within an oligonucleotide.

The oligonucleotides in accordance with this invention preferably are from about 8 to about 50 nucleotides in length. Particularly preferred oligonucleotides are from 10 to 30 nucleotides in length, particularly preferred are from 15 to 25 nucleotides. In the context of this invention it is understood that this encompasses non-naturally occurring oligomers as hereinbefore described, having 8 to 50 monomers.

The oligonucleotides used in accordance with this invention may be conveniently and routinely made through the well-known technique of solid phase synthesis. Equipment for such synthesis is sold by several vendors including Applied Biosystems. Any other means for such synthesis may also be employed; the actual synthesis of the oligonucleotides is well within the talents of the skilled artisan. It is also well known to use similar techniques to prepare other oligonucleotides such as the phosphorothioates and alkylated derivatives.

The therapeutic possibilities that are raised by the methods and compositions, particularly oligonucleotides, of the present invention derive from the demonstration in the Examples herein that inactivation of KSR, including by genetic knockout, by inhibition of its expression utilizing antisense oligonucleotides, and by expression of reverse complement RNA or antisense DNA constructs, results in specific blockage of Ras-mediated tumorigenesis and cellular hyperproliferation, including via gf-Ras, and treatment or inhibition of progression of cancer. The present invention contemplates pharmaceutical intervention in the cascade of reactions in which overexpressed or amplified, hyperactivated or oncogenic Ras, including gf-Ras, is implicated, to regress, block, treat or inhibit the progression of Ras-mediated tumors, oncogenesis and metastasis. Thus, in instances where it is desired to reduce or inhibit Ras, including gf-Ras, the nucleic acids and oligonucleotides of the present invention could be introduced to block or inhibit the Ras pathway.

The invention further includes a method of treating or preventing a hyperproliferative condition associated with the expression of gf-Ras or heightened expression or hyperactivation of Ras or the Ras pathway in a mammal comprising administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or agent which inhibits the expression or activity of mammalian KSR protein. In one aspect of this method, said compound or agent is an antisense oligonucleotide which specifically hybridizes to a portion of the mRNA encoding KSR.

A method of treating or preventing a hyperproliferative condition associated with the expression of gf-Ras or heightened expression or hyperactivation of Ras in a mammal is provided, comprising expressing in said mammal or administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a nucleic acid which is complementary to a portion of the mRNA encoding KSR.

In a further aspect, a method of treating or inhibiting the progression of cancer in a mammal is included, comprising administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or agent which inhibits the expression or activity of mammalian KSR protein. Cancers which are susceptible to the invention's method include cancer selected from the group of pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, urinary tract cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer, colon cancer, intestinal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer and prostate cancer.

Thus, a method is provided for treating or inhibiting the progression of cancer in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of one or more oligonucleotide of the present invention.

The present invention further contemplates therapeutic compositions useful in practicing the therapeutic methods of this invention. A subject therapeutic composition includes, in admixture, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier (excipient) or diluent and one or more nucleic acid or oligonucleotide of the invention as described herein as an active ingredient. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises an oligonucleotide capable of inhibiting the expression of KSR.

Compositions of the nucleic acids and oligonucleotides are an additional aspect of the invention. The invention includes a composition comprising an oligonucleotide which is substantially complementary to a region of KSR RNA and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. The invention thus provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an oligonucleotide which is substantially complementary to a region of KSR RNA and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

In a further aspect, compositions are provided comprising one or more chemotherapeutic or radiotherapeutic agent and an oligonucleotide which is targeted to a mRNA encoding mammalian KSR and which inhibits KSR expression.

The preparation of therapeutic compositions which contain nucleic acids, oligonucleotides, or analogs as active ingredients is well understood in the art. Such compositions can be prepared as injectables, either as liquid solutions or suspensions. Solid forms suitable for solution in, or suspension in, liquid prior to injection can also be prepared. The compositions may be prepared in solid pill form, including slow release formulations. The composition may be in a patch form for transdermal application, particularly in slow release format. The preparation can also be emulsified. The active therapeutic ingredient is often mixed with excipients which are pharmaceutically acceptable and compatible with the active ingredient. Suitable excipients are, for example, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol, or the like and combinations thereof. In addition, if desired, the composition can contain minor amounts of auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents which enhance the effectiveness of the active ingredient.

A nucleic acid or oligonucleotide can be formulated into the therapeutic composition as neutralized pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the acid addition salts (formed with the free amino groups of the polypeptide or antibody molecule) and which are formed with inorganic acids such as, for example, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids, or such organic acids as acetic, oxalic, tartaric, mandelic, and the like. Salts formed from the free carboxyl groups can also be derived from inorganic bases such as, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium, or ferric hydroxides, and such organic bases as isopropylamine, trimethylamine, 2-ethylamino ethanol, histidine, procaine, and the like.

The therapeutic nucleic acid-, oligonicleotide-, analog- or active fragment-containing compositions may be administered intravenously, as by injection of a unit dose, for example. The term “unit dose” when used in reference to a therapeutic composition of the present invention refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosage for humans, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active material calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required diluent; i.e., carrier, or vehicle.

The therapeutic compositions may further include an effective amount of the nucleic acid or oligonucleotide, and one or more of the following active ingredients or agents: a chemotherapeutic agent, a radiotherapeutic agent, an immunomodulatory agent, an anti-mitotic agent.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered in a number of ways depending upon whether local or systemic treatment is desired and upon the area to be treated. Administration may be topical (including ophthalmic, vaginal, rectal, intranasal, transdermal), oral or parenteral. Parenteral administration includes intravenous drip or infusion, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal or intramuscular injection, pulmonary administration, e.g., by inhalation or insufflation, or intrathecal or intraventricular administration. For oral administration, it has been found that oligonucleotides with at least one 2′-substituted ribonucleotide are particularly useful because of their absortion and distribution characteristics. U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,721 (Agrawal et al.) and may be suitable for oral administration. Formulations for topical administration may include transdermal patches, ointments, lotions, creams, gels, drops, suppositories, sprays, liquids and powders. Conventional pharmaceutical carriers, aqueous, powder or oily bases, thickeners and the like may be necessary or desirable. Coated condoms, gloves and the like may also be useful. Compositions for oral administration include powders or granules, suspensions or solutions in water or non-aqueous media, capsules, sachets or tablets. Thickeners, flavoring agents, diluents, emulsifiers, dispersing aids or binders may be desirable. Compositions for parenteral, intrathecal or intraventricular administration may include sterile aqueous solutions which may also contain buffers, diluents and other suitable additives. In addition to such pharmaceutical carriers, cationic lipids may be included in the formulation to facilitate oligonucleotide uptake. One such composition shown to facilitate uptake is Lipofectin (BRL Bethesda Md.).

Dosing is dependent on severity and responsiveness of the condition to be treated, with course of treatment lasting from several days to several months or until a cure is effected or a diminution of disease state is achieved. Optimal dosing schedules can be calculated from measurements of drug accumulation in the body. Persons of ordinary skill can easily determine optimum dosages, dosing methodologies and repetition rates. Optimum dosages may vary depending on the relative potency of individual oligonucleotides, and can generally be calculated based on IC50s or EC50s in in vitro and in vivo animal studies. For example, given the molecular weight of compound (derived from oligonucleotide sequence and chemical structure) and an effective dose such as an IC50, for example (derived experimentally), a dose in mg/kg is routinely calculated.

The oligonucleotides of the invention are also useful for detection and diagnosis of KSR expression. For example, radiolabeled oligonucleotides can be prepared by radioactive (e.g. ³²P) labeling at the 5′ end or 3′ end (including with polynucleotide kinase), contacted with tissue or cell samples suspected of KSR expression or of gf-Ras and unbound oligonucleotide removed. Radioactivity remaining in the sample indicates bound oligonucleotide (which in turn indicates the presence of KSR or of gf-Ras) and can be quantitated using a scintillation counter or other routine means. Radiolabeled oligonucleotide can also be used to perform autoradiography of tissues to determine the localization, distribution and quantitation of KSR or gf-Ras expression for research, diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. In addition, the radiolabel may have a therapeutic effect in promoting cell death or blocking cellular proliferation. Analogous assays for fluorescent detection of raf expression can be developed using oligonucleotides of the invention which are conjugated with fluorescein or other fluorescent tag instead of radiolabeling.

The oligonucleotides of the present invention may be labeled with a detectable label. In particular aspects, the label may be selected from enzymes, chemicals which fluoresce and radioactive elements. In the instance where a radioactive label, such as the isotopes ³H. ¹⁴C, ³²P, ³⁵S, ³⁶Cl, ⁵¹Cr, ⁵⁷Co, ⁵⁸Co, ⁵⁹Fe, ⁹⁰Y, ¹²⁵I, ¹³¹I, and ¹⁸⁶Re are used, known currently available counting procedures may be utilized. In the instance where the label is an enzyme, detection may be accomplished by any of the presently utilized colorimetric, spectrophotometric, fluorospectrophotometric, amperometric or gasometric techniques known in the art. A number of fluorescent materials are known and can be utilized as labels. These include, for example, fluorescein, rhodamine, auramine, Texas Red, AMCA blue and Lucifer Yellow. A particular detecting material is anti-rabbit antibody prepared in goats and conjugated with fluorescein through an isothiocyanate. Enzyme labels are also useful, and can be detected by any of the presently utilized colorimetric, spectrophotometric, fluorospectrophotometric, amperometric or gasometric techniques. The enzyme is conjugated to the selected particle by reaction with bridging molecules such as carbodiimides, diisocyanates, glutaraldehyde and the like. Many enzymes which can be used in these procedures are known, including but not limited to peroxidase, β-glucuronidase, β-D-glucosidase, β-D-galactosidase, urease, glucose oxidase plus peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,654,090; 3,850,752; and 4,016,043 are referred to by way of example for their disclosure of alternate labeling material and methods.

The invention includes additional compositions which can inhibit the expression of a protein, in particular KSR, at the transcriptional level by blocking translation of KSR mRNA or by facilitating destruction or destabilization of the RNA such that translation cannot efficiently take place. In this aspect, the invention provides a ribozyme that cleaves KSR mRNA.

Ribozymes are RNA molecules possessing the ability to specifically cleave other single stranded RNA molecules in a manner somewhat analogous to DNA restriction endonucleases. Ribozymes were discovered from the observation that certain mRNAs have the ability to excise their own introns. By modifying the nucleotide sequence of these RNAs, researchers have been able to engineer molecules that recognize specific nucleotide sequences in an RNA molecule and cleave it (Cech, 1988.). Because they are sequence-specific, only mRNAs with particular sequences are inactivated.

Investigators have identified two types of ribozymes, Tetrahymena-type and “hammerhead”-type. (Hasselhoff and Gerlach, 1988) Tetrahymena-type ribozymes recognize four-base sequences, while “hammerhead”-type recognize eleven- to eighteen-base sequences. The longer the recognition sequence, the more likely it is to occur exclusively in the target mRNA species. Therefore, hammerhead-type ribozymes are preferable to Tetrahymena-type ribozymes for inactivating a specific mRNA species, and eighteen base recognition sequences are preferable to shorter recognition sequences.

The use of RNA interference strategies to inhibit the expression of KSR is further embodied in the invention. Thus, methods of RNA interference and small interfering RNA compositions are included in the methods and compositions of the present invention. RNA interference refers to the silencing of genes specifically by double stranded RNA (dsRNA) (Fine, A. et al (1998) Nature 391;806-811). In one embodiment, short or small interfering RNA (siRNA) is utilized (Elbashir, S. M. et al (2001) Nature 411:494-498). In addition, long double stranded RNA hairpins may be employed (Tavernarakis, N. et al (2000) Nature Genet 24:180-183; Chuang, C. F. and Meyerowitz, E. M. (2000) PNAS USA 97:4985-90; Smith, NA et al (2000) Nature 407:319-20). Virus-mediated RNA interference against K-Ras has been described (B rummelkamp, T. R. et al (2002) Cancer Cell 2:243-247).

The invention may be better understood by reference to the following non-limiting Examples, which are provided as exemplary of the invention. The following examples are presented in order to more fully illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention and should in no way be construed, however, as limiting the broad scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

These studies demonstrate that mammalian KSR integrates signaling through the EGFR/Ras/MAPK signaling module. That EGFR, Ras and KSR are on the same signaling pathway in mammalian cells is supported by the unusual hair follicle phenotype manifested in EGFR knockout mice and recapitulated in the KSR knockout, by the attenuation of EGF-induced MAPK signaling in MEFs, and by the abrogation of EGFR-/Ras-mediated tumorigenesis in multiple experimental models. Further, genetic and pharmacologic approaches identified KSR as required for various aspects of tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, loss of KSR function reduced proliferation of MEFs, A431 and MCF-7 cells, abrogated Ras-mediated MEF transformation, and attenuated A431 and MCF-7 cell invasion. In vivo, inactivation of KSR antagonized v-Ha-Ras-mediated tumor formation and growth of an established EGFR-driven tumor that requires wild type Ras for neoplastic progression. As in C. elegans ^(2,3), KSR appears dispensable, for the most part, for normal development, but required when increased signaling through the EGFR/Ras pathway is necessary, as occurs acutely in response to EGF stimulation or chronically in Ras-mediated tumors. This suggests that pharmacologic inactivation might yield a therapeutic gain. Indeed, the results presented herein, including in vivo models of Ras-mediated tumorigenesis, show significant inhibition of cell proliferation and cell invasion on inactivation of ksr. These studies demonstrate the use of ksr antisense oligonucleotides (KSR-AS ODNs) as a therapeutic approach in cancer and tumorigenesis, particularly K-Ras mediated tumorigenesis.

Example 1.

Abstract

In Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans, Kinase Suppressor of Ras (KSR) positively modulates Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling either upstream of or parallel to Raf¹⁻³. The precise signaling mechanism of mammalian KSR, and its role in Ras-mediated transformation, however, remains uncertain. Utilizing cells markedly overexpressing recombinant KSR, some groups reported KSR inhibits MAPK activation and Ras-induced transformation⁴⁻⁶ while others observed enhancing effects⁷⁻¹⁰. Evidence suggests these discrepancies reflect gene dosage effects¹¹. To gain insight into KSR function in vivo, we generated mice homozygous null for KSR ksr^(−/−) mice are viable and without major developmental defects. Newborn mice, however, display a unique hair follicle phenotype previously observed in EGFR-deficient mice, providing genetic support for the notion that EGFR, Ras and KSR are on the same signaling pathway in mammals. Embryonic fibroblasts from ksr^(−/−) animals were defective in EGF activation of the MAPK pathway, and displayed diminished proliferative potential and impaired Ras-dependent transformability. Tumor formation in Tg.AC mice, resulting from skin-specific v-Ha-ras expression, was abrogated in the ksr^(−/−) background. Thus, evidence presented herein suggests KSR transduces EGFR-/Ras-mediated neoplasia, which may be potentially targeted by anti-KSR therapeutic strategies.

Introduction

Kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR) was identified in Drosophiula melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans as a positive modulator of Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling either upstream of or parallel to Raf (1-3). Although an intensive effort has been directed at elucidating the biochemical properties of mammalian KSR, its precise signaling mechanism remains uncertain. In particular, its role in Ras-mediated transformation has not been addressed convincingly. Some groups reported KSR inhibits MAPK activation and Ras-induced transformation (4-6) while others observed enhancing effects (8-10). These experiments utilized cell systems overexpressing recombinant KSR to levels far beyond endogenous KSR, and evidence suggests these discrepancies might reflect gene dosage (11). While we and others argue the necessity of both the kinase and scaffolding functions of KSR for its optimal activation of the Raf-MAPK cascade (26-30), others believe that KSR signals solely via its scaffolding function (9, 12, 31).

To gain insight into the in vivo function of KSR, we generated a mouse homozygous null for KSR. ksr^(−/−) mice are viable and without major developmental defects. Newborn mice, however, display a unique hair follicle phenotype previously observed in EGFR-deficient mice. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from ksr^(−/−) animals displayed diminished proliferative potential and impaired oncogenic v-Ha-Ras-dependent transformation. Moreover, EGF and TPA activated the MAPK cascade to a similar extent in MEFs, yet only c-Raf-1 activation by mitogenic doses of EGF depended on ksr. The KSR knockout mouse thus allows the delineation of KSR-dependent and independent mechanisms of c-Raf-1 activation. Further, tumor formation in Tg.AC mice resulting from skin-specific v-Ha-ras expression, which utilizes MAPK signaling for transformation (32), was abrogated in the ksr^(−/−) background. These defects in proliferation, transformation and tumor formation suggest KSR transduces some forms of Ras-mediated neoplasia.

Results and Discussion

To investigate the in vivo function of KSR in mammals, we targeted the mouse ksr locus to obtain mice deficient in KSR expression. ksr^(−/−) mice were generated by homologous recombination in embryonic stem (ES) cells using the pF9 targeting vector shown in FIG. 1 a. The targeted region included the starting methionine (ATG codon at nt 83 in ksr cDNA) and the following 74 amino acids encompassing 85% of the KSR unique CA1 domain. Two targeted ES clones (FIG. 1 b) were microinjected into C57BL/6 blastocysts and both resulted in chimeric mice that transmitted the mutated ksr allele through to the germline. Crosses of the ksr^(+/−) mice generated progeny with genotypes of the expected Mendelian frequencies. A PCR-based screening strategy was developed to detect both the wild-type (wt) and mutated alleles from mouse genomic DNA (FIG. 1 c).

As previously reported (12), Northern blot analysis revealed wt KSR transcripts of 6.4 and 7.4 kb. The smaller transcript was detected by embryonic day 7, while the larger transcript was observed from day 11 on (FIG. 1 d). In the adult, numerous tissues expressed ksr transcripts including heart, spleen, lung, thymus, and brain (FIG. 1 e). Kidney displayed little if any ksr mRNA, while the larger transcript was restricted to brain. The existence of this larger mRNA was recently reported by Morrison and co-workers to represent a splice variant of murine KSR1, named B-KSR1 (12). Importantly, ksr^(−/−) mice did not express detectable levels of either ksr mRNA in any tissue tested FIG. 1 e). KSR1 and B-KSR1 proteins were also not detected by Western blot analysis in tissues or in mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) from ksr^(−/−) mice FIG. 1 f). The lack of KSR was also confirmed by RT-PCR analysis with primers specific for the 3′-UTR of ksr cDNA (not shown). Our data thus suggest that replacement of the 5′ region of ksr including the start coding site and most of the CA1 domain successfully abolished expression of both murine KSR forms.

KSR knockout mice were viable and fertile, with no major developmental defects. No gross histologic abnormalities of the major organs were apparent in young mice or in adults up to one year of age. Animal weight, behavior and brood size were also unaffected in the KSR knockout. However, histologic examination of the skin of 10-day-old ksr^(−/−) mice revealed noticeably fewer hair follicles, which were disorganized in dermal location (depth) and orientation (direction), and manifested asynchronous growth (FIG. 2 a vs. 2 b,c). Further, a significant proportion displayed a serpentine morphology (FIG. 2 b). In other follicles, the inner root sheath separated from the hair shaft, resulting in formation of blisters or cysts (FIG. 2 c). Strikingly, this phenotype closely resembles that found in the skin of EGFR-deficient mice (13) (FIG. 2 d). Grossly, egfr^(−/−) mice display short, wavy pelage hair and curly whiskers during the first weeks of age, with pelage and vibrissa hairs becoming progressively sparser and atrophic over time, eventually leading to alopecia (13). Although these gross phenotypes were not seen in ksr^(−/−) mice, increased alopecia and sparse hair growth were observed following treatment with the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) compared to similarly treated ksr^(+/+) controls (not shown). The manifestation of this unique hair follicle phenotype by both knockouts supports the contention that EGFR and KSR might be on the same pathway in mice.

To further elucidate the effect of KSR disruption on activation of the EGFR/MAPK pathway, we generated MEFs from ksr^(+/+) and ksr^(−/−) littermates and evaluated their response to low, mitogenic doses of EGF and TPA, two growth stimuli known to activate the MAPK cascade. After 48 hr of serum starvation, MAPK activation in response to various doses of EGF (0.01-100 ng/ml) or TPA (10 nM-1 uM) was determined by Western blot analysis using the monoclonal and anti-phospho-p44/42 MAPK (Thr²⁰²/Tyr²⁰⁴) antibody. ksr^(−/−) MEFs displayed a significant reduction in EGF- and TPA-induced MAPK (ERK1/2) activation at all doses examined, while total MAPK content remained largely unchanged (FIG. 3A). For EGF stimulation, inhibition of MAPK activation was manifest at doses as low as 0.01 ng/ml (not shown), whereas at 100 ng/ml EGF, MAPK activation was partially restored (FIG. 3A, upper panel, Lane 8).

To examine Raf-1 activation under conditions of MAPK inhibition, endogenous Raf-1 was evenly immunoprecipitated from all MEF lysates (not shown) and activity assayed using kinase-inactive MEK (K97M) as a substrate. While Raf-1 activity was greatly inhibited (>90%) in ksr^(−/−) MEFs in response to mitogenic doses of EGF (FIG. 3B, upper panel, lanes 4 and 6), no inhibition was observed when stimulated with 100 ng/ml EGF (FIG. 3B, upper panel, lane 8). Thus, partial inhibition of MAPK activation in response to 100 ng/ml EGF in ksr^(−/−) MEFs is independent of Raf-1 activation, likely resulting from the known MAK scaffolding function of KSR. These results indicate that EGF-stimulated Raf-1 activation in MEFs is dose-dependent and may occur via KSR-dependent and independent mechanisms, consistent with our previous findings (28).

The requirement for KSR for TPA-induced c-Raf-1 activation differed from that of mitogenic doses of EGF. In contrast to complete inhibition of c-Raf-1 activation after stimulation with mitogenic doses of EGF upon deletion of ksr, TPA-induced Raf-1 activation was not altered in ksr^(−/−) MEFs (FIG. 3B, lower panel). Thus, the use of the KSR knockout MEFs allows for the definition of two mechanisms of c-Raf-1 activation, a KSR-dependent mechanism necessary for mitogenic EGF stimulation, and a KSR-independent mechanism used by TPA, and perhaps pharmacologic doses of EGF. Loss of KSR thuis can impact M APK activation by two mechanisms, via loss of c-Raf-1 activation as well as the MEK scaffolding function of KSR.

To examine the biologic consequence of MAPK inhibition on cell proliferation in vivo, a proliferation assay was performed using MEFs in the exponential phase of cell growth. Consistent with reduction in signaling through the MAPK mitogenic pathway, which provides proliferative signals, a 50% reduction in growth rate in ksr^(−/−) MEFS was observed (FIG. 3C).

To determine the potential impact of KSR inactivation in Ras-mediated transformation, c-Myc and Ha-rasV12 constructs were transduced into ksr^(+/+) and ksr^(−/−) nearly-passage MEFs using high-titer retroviruses, and the ability to grow as colonies in soft agar was assessed as described (15). While ksr^(+/+) fibroblasts did not form colonies in soft-agar, they did so in the presence of Myc and Ras oncogenes (not shown). In contrast, ksr^(−/−) MEFs could not be transformed by Ha-rasV12, even though they were immortalized by c-Myc. Taken together, all these results show that inactivation of KSR by genetic deletion attenuates signaling through the EGFR/Ras/MAPK pathway.

The participation of oncogenic ras in human cancers is estimated to be 30% (33) and approximately 25% of skin lesions in humans involve mutations of the Ha-Ras (25% for squamous cell carcinoma and 28% for melanomas) (34,35). Since ksr^(−/−) mice showed a defect in normal development of the hair follicle, presumably via impairment of EGFR signaling, we examined the role of KSR in gain-of-function Ras in the skin. For these studies, we employed Tg.AC mice, which harbor oncogenic v-Ha-ras fused to the ζ-globin promoter (16-18), a standardized model for the study of two-stage skin carcinogenesis. The v-Ha-ras transgene of Tg.AC mice is transcriptionally silent until induced in latent neoplastic cells (putative stem cells) closely associated with the outer root sheath cells of the hair follicle (19), a site consistent with our localization of KSR in mouse skin (not shown). Tg.AC mice (in FVB/N strain background) were crossed with ksr^(−/−) mice (in a mixed C57BL/6:129sv background). F1 offspring heterozygous for the ksr gene were then interbred to obtain F2 offspring carrying the v-Ha-ras transgene in the ksr^(+/+) and ksr^(−/−) background. To determine if disruption of ksr might influence tumorigenesis in this model, we topically treated the dorsum of F2 mice twice weekly for 15 weeks with vehicle (acetone), or with 5 μg of TPA. Animals were monitored for development of skin malignancies for 20 weeks.

Initial control studies using RT-PCR to detect the v-Ha-ras transgene mRNA showed that loss of KSR function in ksr^(−/−) mice had no impact on TPA-induced expression of the oncogenic v-Ha-ras transgene in the skin (FIG. 4A). However, 70% of Tg.AC transgenic mice in a ksr^(+/+) background developed papillomas, while only 10% in a ksr^(−/−) background displayed papillomas (FIG. 4B). The average number of papillomas in our study was 2-4 per mouse in each group. These studies with Tg.AC mice demonstrate that genetic inactivation of KSR prevents EGFR-/Ras-mediated skin tumorigenesis.

In summary, these studies demonstrate that mammalian KSR integrates signaling through the EGFR/Ras/MAPK signaling module. That EGFR, Ras and KSR are on the same signaling pathway in mammalian cells is supported by the unusual hair follicle phenotype manifested in EGFR knockout mice and recapitulated in the KSR knockout, by the attenuation of EGF-induced MAPK signaling in MEFs, and by the abrogation of EGFR-/Ras-mediated tumorigenesis in multiple experimental models (see also Example 2). These studies further demonstrate that Raf-1 activation may occur by KSR-dependent and independent mechanisms. We believe this observation may help to resolve some of the questions regarding upstream elements of the Ras/Raf-1-MAPK module and provides new targets and reagents for additional investigation. In C. elegans (2,3), KSR appears dispensable, for the most part, for normal development, but required when increased signaling through the EGFR/Ras pathway is necessary and for some forms of oncogenic Ras-transduced MAPK-mediated tumorigenesis, as occurs acutely in response to EGF stimulation or chronically in Ras-mediated tumors, indicating that KSR inactivation could yield a therapeutic gain, particularly for selective abrogation of the Ras/MAPK signaling of human tumorigenesis.

Methods

Gene targeting. Mouse ksr genomic DNA clones were isolated by screening a λFixII phage library prepared from mouse strain 129/sv (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.) using the 5′ coding region (nt 1-786) of mouse ksr cDNA (Genbank accession #U43585). The mouse ksr cDNA sequence is provided in FIG. 12A. The targeting vector pF9 was constructed by inserting a 2.5-kb SpeI-SmaI fill-in fragment from the 5′ end of the mouse ksr genomic clone into the NotI fill-in site of pPGK-NTK vector (a gift from Dr. Frank Sirotnak). A 6.3-kb SpeI-HindIII fill-in fragment from the 3′ downstream region of the mouse ksr genomic clone was inserted into the vector at the ClaI fill-in site. The resulting plasmid was linearized with KpnI and electroporated into 129/Sv-derived W9.5 ES cells (Chrysalis DNX Transgenic Sciences, Princeton, N.J.). Two hundred G418/Gancyclovir-resistant ES cell clones were analyzed by Southern blot using a 0.6 kb BglII-SpeI probe derived from genomic sequences located immediately outside (5′) those present in pF9. This probe hybridizes to a 5.7-kb DNA fragment for the wt ksr allele and a 3.1-kb fragment from the disrupted allele. Heterozygous ES cells were microinjected into blastocyst-stage C57BL/6 mouse embryos at the Sloan-Kettering Institute's Transgenic Core Facility. Injected blastocysts were then transplanted into the uterus of pseudopregnant C57BL/6 mice. Chimeric males were crossed to C57BL/6 females. Germline transmission was monitored by Southern blot in agouti F1 offspring. For mouse genotyping, genomic DNA was isolated from mouse tails with the DNeasy kit (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, Calif.) and was either digested with BglII and XhoI and examined by Southern blot as for ES cells, or analyzed by PCR amplification with two sets of primers. Primers for the wt allele were derived from the cDNA sequence of mouse ksr CA1 domain: upstream primer, 5′-TATCTCCATCGGCAGTCT-3′ (SEQ ID NO:20), downstream primer, 5′-TCGACGCTCACACT TCAA-3′ (SEQ ID NO:21). The primers for the mutant allele were from the sequence of the neomycin phosphotransferase gene: upstream primer, 5′-CTGACCGCTTCCTCGTG-3′ (SEQ ID NO:22); downstream primer, 5′-ATAGAGCCCACCGCATCC-3′ (SEQ ID NO:23). The size of the expected product is 493-bp for the wt and 312-bp for the disrupted allele. Standard PCR conditions were employed: initial denaturation of 5 min at 94° C., followed by 30 cycles with annealing at 56° C., extension at 72° C., and denaturation at 94° C, all for 30 sec.

Northern and western blot analysis. Poly A⁺ RNA was prepared from adult mouse tissues using the Oligotex kit from Qiagen Inc. (Valencia, Calif.). The blots were hybridized with a specific ³²P-labeled probe corresponding to the CA2-CA4 domains of murine ksr cDNA (1.47-kb). For embryonic tissues, we used a Mouse Embryo MTN Blot (BD Biosciences, San Diego, Calif.). Protein homogenates were prepared from ksr^(+/+) and ksr^(−/−) tissues, or MEFs in RIPA buffer and fractionated by SDS-PAGE (100 μg protein/lane). KSR expression was detected by western blot with a mouse monoclonal anti-KSR antibody (BD Biosciences, San-Diego, Calif.) or a goat polyclonal anti-KSR antibody generated to amino acids 855 to 871 of KSR (c-19, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Santa Cruz, Calif.). MEK and MAPK activation in MEFs were detected by western blot with anti-phospho-MEK and anti-phospho-MAPK specific antibodies: polyclonal anti-MEK, polyclonal anti-p44/42 MAPK, monoclonal anti-phospho-p44/42 MAPK (Thr²⁰²/Tyr²⁰⁴) and polyclonal anti-phosph-MEK1/2 (Ser²¹⁷/Ser²²¹) (Cell Signaling, Beverly, Calif.).

Histology. Skin tissues were collected from 10-day old ksr^(+/+) , ksr^(−/−) and egfr^(−/−) (kindly provided by Dr. Laura Hansen) mice and fixed for 15-18 hours in 10% neutral buffered formalin, washed 2 hours in 70% ethanol and embedded in paraffin blocks. The blocks were sectioned 4-6 μm thick, placed on glass slides and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

MEF studies. MEFs, derived from ksr^(+/+) and ksr^(−/−) day 12-13 embryos, were prepared as described¹⁵. 0.25×10⁶ early passage MEFs (PDL<6) were seeded in 6-well plates and grown in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS for 24 h at 37° C. After 48 h in serum-free medium, cells were stimulated with 0.05-1.0 ng/ml EGF for 3 min, washed with PBS and lysed in 0.2 ml of NP-40 lysis buffer (20 mM Tris-HCl, 137 mM NaCl, 2 mM EDTA, 10% Glycerol, 1% Nonidet P40 plus protease and phosphatase inhibitors). Raf-1 activity was performed as previously described (27). Briefly, 300 ug of total lysate was immunoprecipitated with a polyclonal anti-Raf-1 antibody (Upstate Biotechnology, Lake Placid, N.Y.), washed with NP40 buffer containing 0.5M NaCl and incubated with the kinase-dead GST-MEK-1 (K97M). Activated MEK-1 was visualized by Western blot with a polyclonal anti-phospho-MEK antibody (Cell Signaling, Beverly, Calif.). To analyze cell proliferation, 0.15×10⁶ ksr^(+/+) or ksr^(−/−) low-passage MEFs were seeded on 60 mm plates and counted at the indicated time points by hemacytometer. Data (mean±SD) are compiled from three independent experiments. To assess transformation capacity, MEFs from ksr^(+/+) and ksr^(−/−) mice were transduced sequentially with retroviral plasmids pWZL-Hygro-c-myc and pBabe-Puro-H-RasV12 (kindly provided by Scott Lowe, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories), resuspended in 0.3% noble agar and seeded in 60 mm plates as described (15). Colonies consisting of at least 50 cells were counted after 3 weeks.

Generation of Tg.AC/ksr^(−/−) mice. Homozygous male and female Tg.AC transgenic mice (16) were obtained at 3-4 week of age from Charles River Laboratories Inc. (Wilmington, Mass.). To produce the target population, ksr^(−/−) mice were first bred to hemizygous Tg.AC mice containing the v-Ha-ras transgene. The resulting F1 females and males, heterozygous for ksr and hemizygous for the Tg.AC transgene, were then bred to obtain offspring in the ksr background. Nonresponder Tg.AC mice (17) were excluded from the study group. Presence of the Tg.AC transgene was determined by PCR amplification as follows: initial denaturation of 1 min 10 sec at 74° C., followed by 30 cycles with annealing at 55° C. for 1 min, extension at 72° C. for 3 min, and denaturation at 94° C. for 1 min. The sequence of the Forward Primer was 5′-GGAACCTTACTTCTGTGGTGTGAC-3′ (SEQ ID NO:13), and the sequence of the Reverse Primer was 5′-TAGCAGACACTCTATGCCTGTGTG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 14). PCR results were confirmed by Southern blot analysis as described (17).

Skin tumor experiments. Mice were treated twice weekly with 5 μg TPA (Sigma Chemical Company, St. Louis, Mo.) for 15 weeks and observed for papilloma development as described (16). Offspring from the original Tg.AC mice in the FVB/N background from Charles River Laboratory were used as controls. Papillomas were counted weekly for 20 weeks. v-Ha-ras transgene expression in skin after TPA treatment was assessed by nested PCR as described (24).

REFERENCES

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Example 2

Abstract

Given the prevalence of oncogenic ras mutations in human cancers, selective inactivation of gain-of-function (gf) Ras signaling represents a highly attractive therapeutic approach, although it has not been achieved clinically. Here, gf Ras signaling was targeted indirectly via genetic or pharmacologic inactivation of Kinase Suppressor of Ras1 (KSR1), an immediate downstream effector selective for gf Ras. KSR1 inactivation abrogated gf Ras-mediated tumorigenesis induced by constitutively activated epidermal growth factor receptor or oncogenic K-Ras mutation in several human tumor cell lines and in nude mice xenografts. Inhibition of ksr1 via continuous infusion of KSR antisense oligonucleotides (AS-ODNs) prevented growth of oncogenic K-ras-dependent human PANC-1 pancreatic and A549 non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) xenografts in nude mice, effected regression of established PANC-1 tumors, and inhibited A549 lung metastases, without apparent toxicity. These studies suggest KSR AS-ODNs as a treatment for gf Ras-dependent human malignancies, in particular pancreatic cancer for which there is presently no effective curative therapy.

Introduction

Adenocarcinoma of the exocrine pancreas represents the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Western countries. Treatment has had limited success and the five-year survival remains less than 5% with a mean survival of 4 months for patients with surgically unresectable tumors (1,2). While oncogenic activation of H—, K—, and N-Ras arising from single nucleotide substitutions has been observed in 30% of human cancers (5), over 90% of human pancreatic cancer manifest the codon 12 K-ras mutation (3-5). This point mutation can be identified early in the course of the disease when normal cuboidal pancreatic ductal epithelium progresses to a flat hyperplastic lesion, and is considered causative in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer (6,7). The regulation of oncogenic K-ras signaling in human pancreatic cancer, however, remains largely unknown. While various therapeutic strategies have been developed to inactivate key components of the Ras-Raf-MAPK cascade, specific inhibition of gf Ras action has not been achieved clinically (8,9).

Recent studies demonstrated that Kinase Suppressor of Ras (KSR1) positively modulates the Ras/MAPK signaling arm of the EGFR/Ras pathway. KSR1 acts downstream of Ras, either upstream of or parallel to Raf in Drosophila and C. elegans (10-12). Mammalian forms of KSR1, identified on the basis of sequence homology (12), suggest that KSR signaling is evolutionarily conserved. The precise mechanisms of mammalian KSR signaling and its biological functions, however, remain largely unknown. Genetic studies from ksr1-deficient C. elegans and mice demonstrate that while ksr1 is dispensable for normal development (10,11,13), it may be obligate for gf Ras signaling through the MAPK cascade (see Example 1 above). In C. elegans, KSR loss-of-function (lf) reverts the gf Ras-mediated multivulva phenotype (10,11) caused by the same codon 13 mutation that confers oncogenic potential onto mammalian Ras.

To elucidate the role of KSR1 in Ras-mediated human malignancies, especially in pancreatic cancer, and to explore the feasibility of employing KSR1 as a therapeutic target, antisense approaches were employed to genetically and pharmacologically inactivate mammalian ksr1. We report here that both approaches to KSR1 inactivation abrogated gf Ras signaling of tumorigenesis, either via constitutively activated EGFR or oncogenic K-Ras mutation. Further, antisense-mediated inhibition of ksr1 gene expression via continuous infusion of KSR AS-ODNs prevented the oncogenic K-ras-dependent growth of human PANC-1 pancreatic and A549 non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) xenografts in nude mice, elicited regression of established PANC-1 tumors, and inhibited A549 lung metastases without apparent toxicity. These studies demonstrate that KSR AS-ODNs might represent a tumor-specific therapeutic agent for the treatment of oncogenic K-ras-dependent human malignancies.

Results

Inhibition of ksr1 gene expression induces morphologic changes in A431 cells. In C. elegans, KSR1 regulates gf Ras signaling of vulval development, a pathway initiated through LET-23, the EGFR homolog (10,11). To explore the role of mammalian KSR1 in EGFR-mediated tumorigenesis, we employed the A431 human epidermoid carcinoma tumor line in which tumor growth is driven through wild type Ras by a 100-fold excess of activated EGFR/HER1 (10⁷ receptors/cell) (14). We generated A431 cell lines stably expressing inducible forms of wild type KSR1 (KSR-S), antisense KSR1 (KSR-AS) and dominant negative KSR1 (DN-KSR) using the Retro-Tet-Off system. While Flag-tagged KSR-S and DN-KSR were expressed to similar levels (FIG. 5A), stable expression of the KSR-AS resulted in a 60% reduction of endogenous KSR expression (FIG. 5B). Further, doxycycline (Dox) treatment elicited a dose-dependent inhibition of KSR-S expression (FIG. 5C), and Dox withdrawal following its addition effectively restored KSR-S expression (not shown). Similar results were found in the DN-KSR and KSR-AS cells (not shown). These observations indicate that the KSR-Tet-Off system is tightly regulated by Dox.

The effect of manipulating KSR1 levels on the morphology of stably transfected A431 cells was examined first. While non-transfected (not shown), vector-transfected and KSR-S-transfected A431 cells displayed the similar cobblestone morphology of poorly differentiated squamous epithelial cells (FIG. 5D), abrogation of ksr1 expression by KSR-AS produced a marked change in cell morphology. The KSR-AS cell somata gradually enlarged and flattened, cytoplasmic processes retracted, and cells grew in a more scattered pattern (FIG. 5D). Further, these cells became multinucleated (FIG. 5E), indicative of the failure to complete cytokinesis with a resultant proliferation defect (see below) (15). Phase-contrast microscopy reveals that while over 80% of KSR-AS cells contained multiple nuclei, multinucleated cells were rarely seen (<8%) in control or KSR-S cells. Similar morphologic changes were observed in DN-KSR cells (FIGS. 5D and 5E) indicating that inhibition of ksr1 gene expression in A431 cells might have profound effects on EGFR-mediated biological events in this tumor cell line.

Inhibition of ksr1 gene expression attenuates A431 tumorigenesis. To assess the consequences of KSR1 inhibition on the malignant properties of A431 cells and their response to EGF in vitro, cell proliferation, invasion and transformation assays were performed. When KSR-S was overexpressed by A431 cells, both baseline and EGF-stimulated proliferation (FIG. 6A), invasion (FIG. 6C) and transformation (FIG. 6D) were markedly enhanced. In contrast, depletion of ksr1 expression in KSR-AS cells resulted a significant inhibition of baseline proliferation, invasion and transformation (FIG. 6, p<0.05 in each case), and the abrogation of EGF responses (FIG. 6). The DN-KSR effect was similar to that observed with KSR-AS (FIG. 6).

Consistent with the observed alterations in cell growth, KSR significantly impacted cell cycle distribution as determined by FACS analysis (FIG. 6B). While there was a significant elevation of S-phase cells in exponentially growing KSR-S cells, a sharp reduction in S-phase cells coupled with a concomitant increase of G2/M-phase cells was observed in KSR-AS cells compared to vector-transfected controls (p<0.05 in each case). These observations were confirmed by Ki-67 staining (not shown). The specificity of KSR-S and KSR-AS in mediating stimulation and inhibition, respectively, of proliferation, invasion and transformation was confirmed by turning off the KSR-S and KSR-AS expression by Dox treatment (not shown). These observations demonstrate that while overexpression of KSR enhanced the neoplastic properties of A431 cells, inactivation of KSR by KSR-AS or DN-KSR rendered A431 cells less malignant.

To elucidate whether KSR1 down-regulation might have a similar anti-proliferative effect in vivo, 10⁶ KSR-S, KSR-AS, DN-KSR or vector-transfected A431 cells were injected subcutaneously (s.c.) into the right flank of immunodeficient (nude) mice. While tumor take was 100% in mice receiving KSR-S and vector-transfected cells, KSR-S tumors had an earlier onset (FIG. 7A, left-shifted growth curve, p<0.05), were 200% larger in size on day 25, and had 2.5-fold more Ki-67 positive cells than vector-transfected tumors of the comparable size (not shown). Examination of tumor specimens removed on day 25 revealed continued expression of Flag-KSR-S (not shown). The specificity of KSR-S in mediating these effects was confirmed by feeding a group of KSR-S tumor-bearing mice with Dox-containing water which shut off tumoral KSR-S expression efficiently (not shown), and almost completely prevented the growth stimulatory effect of KSR-S on A431 tumors (FIG. 7A, KSR-S vs. KSR-S+Dox, p<0.01). In contrast, mice injected with 10⁶ A431 KSR-AS or DN-KSR cells failed to develop any tumors when observed up to 120 days (FIG. 7A and not shown). When the inocula size was increased to 10×10⁶ and prepared in 50% Matrigel, only 1 out of 20 mice in each case developed a late onset (day 42 for KSR-AS and day 36 for DN-KSR) slow growing tumor. Further, squamous differentiation was evident in both the vector- and KSR-S tumors (FIG. 7B (i) and (ii), black arrows), although KSR-S tumors had less kertohyalin granules and a higher mitotic index (not shown). In contrast, squamous differentiation was absent from KSR-AS and DN-KSR tumors (FIG. 7B (iii) and (iv)). Moreover, consistent with our observations in vitro, 25% of the KSR-AS and 18% of the DN-KSR tumor cells were multinucleated in vivo (FIG. 7B (iii) and (iv), black arrows, and (v)).

These observations demonstrate that inhibition of A431 tumorigenesis by KSR-AS involves attenuation of proliferation and induction of multinucleation. To confirm that prevention of A431 tumorigenesis by KSR-AS is due to inhibition of ksr1 expression by KSR-AS, we designed phosphorothioate AS-ODNs against the unique CA1 domain (SEQ ID NO: 1) (amino acids 42-82 (SEQ ID NO:2)) of KSR1, which is conserved between the mouse and human (12), to inactivate ksr1 expression pharmacologically. Among the AS-ODNs tested, the AS-ODN against nucleotides 214 to 231 (SEQ ID NO:5) of KSR1, which has no sequence homology to any other mammalian gene, exhibited the most potent and specific antisense effect, and was chosen for further characterization. In vitro treatment of A431 cells with 1 mM KSR AS-ODN (SEQ ID NO: 8) for 24 h resulted in a 90% reduction of endogenous KSR1 expression as determined by immunofluorescence staining FIG. 8A) and Western blotting (not shown), while control ODNs had no apparent effect (FIG. 8A and not shown). Moreover, expression of other cellular proteins including the EGFR, H-Ras, c-Raf-1 and MAPK was not altered by treatment with KSR AS-ODN or control ODNs (not shown), indicating that the antisense effect was specific for KSR. Similar to inactivation of KSR by stable expression of full-length KSR-AS, KSR AS-ODN treatment attenuated A431 cell proliferation (FIG. 8B) and invasion (FIG. 8C) in a dose-dependent fashion (p<0.05). At 1 mM, KSR AS-ODN inhibited A431 cell proliferation and invasion by 80% and 70%, respectively. In contrast, Control-ODN (FIG. 8C), which lacks homology to any mammalian gene (16), or Sense-ODN or mismatch AS-ODNs (not shown), were ineffective.

To assess the antitumor activity of KSR AS-ODNs in vivo, AS-ODNs or control ODNs were delivered via continuous s.c. infusion to provide sustained tumor exposure. Infusion was initiated two days prior to tumor implantation in order to reach a steady state ODN plasma level. 10⁶ A431 cells were injected s. c. into nude mice to obtain seed tumors of 400 mm³. Approximately 50 mg of the freshly prepared seed tumor fragments were then transplanted to AS-ODN- or Control ODN-treated mice. Treatment with KSR AS-ODN at a low dose of 5 mg/kg/day effectively reduced tumoral KSR1 levels by 85% and attenuated A431 tumor growth by 80% (FIG. 8D, p<0.01), without apparent toxicity, consistent with the known lack of toxicity of this therapeutic approach (17). In contrast, no antitumor effects were observed following treatment with vehicle alone (saline) or with identical doses of the Control-ODN, or Sense-ODN (FIG. 8D and not shown). Similar results were obtained when treatment was initiated using mice with established A431 tumors of 150 mm³ (not shown). Collectively, these results demonstrate that KSR1 is obligate for EGFR signaling of A431 tumorigenesis in vivo via hyperactivated wild type Ras. Further, the antitumor activity of KSR AS-ODNs appeared to be achieved via selective inhibition of ksr1 gene expression with high specificity. These studies suggest that it might be feasible to use KSR AS-ODN to abrogate EGFR/Ras signaling of human tumorigenesis.

Inhibition of ksr1 expression abrogates oncogenic K-ras-mediated human pancreatic tumorigenesis via specific attenuation of Ras/Raf-MAPK signaling. To elucidate the importance of KSR1 in mediating oncogenic Ras signaling of human tumorigenesis and to explore the therapeutic potential of KSR AS-ODNs, we employed the human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 xenograft mouse model. This tumor manifests the oncogenic codon 12-mutation of K-ras. Similar to A431 cells, treatment of PANC-1 cells in vitro with KSR AS-ODNs attenuated cell proliferation (FIG. 9A), invasion (FIG. 9C) and transformation (FIG. 9D) in a dose-dependent fashion (FIG. 9 and not shown) (p<0.05 in each case). Further, treatment with 5 mM AS-ODN led to a 90% reduction of endogenous KSR1 expression (FIG. 9E). To confirm the effectiveness of KSR AS-ODN in inhibiting oncogenic K-ras function, a panel of codon-12 K-ras mutated human pancreatic cancer cell lines were treated with 5 mM of KSR AS-ODN and assayed for cell proliferation. While cell growth was inhibited by 50 to 80% in all cell lines after AS-ODN treatment (p<0.01 each), Sense-ODN had no apparent effect (FIG. 9B).

We previously demonstrated that KSR1 activation is required for c-Raf-1 and subsequent MAPK activation in vitro in response to mitogenic doses of EGF stimulation (18,19). To molecularly order KSR1 and Raf-1 in oncogenic K-ras signaling, PANC-1 cells were treated with 5 mM AS-ODN, transfected with the dominant positive BXB-Raf-1 and assayed for cell invasion and transformation. If Raf-1 is downstream of KSR, gf raf-1 (BXB-Raf-1) should reverse the inhibitory effect of KSR inactivation by AS-ODNs on PANC-1 cell invasion and transformation. Indeed, while BXB-Raf-1 had no effect on endogenous KSR1 expression (FIG. 9E), it completely reversed the inhibitory effect of AS-ODN on PANC-1 cell invasion (FIG. 9C) and transformation (FIG. 9D). These observations indicate that c-Raf-1 is epistatic to KSR1, consistent with our in vitro findings and with the current literature (19-22). Additional studies were performed to examine the mechanism by which KSR1 inactivation affected oncogenic Ras-mediated intracellular signaling. For these studies, AS-ODN-treated and BXB-Raf-1-transfected PANC-1 cells were serum-depleted for 48 h and stimulated with 1 ng/ml of EGF. MAPK and PI-3 kinase activation were assayed by Western blot analysis using phospho-MAPK and phospho-Akt specific antibodies. While AS-ODN treatment blocked EGF-induced MAPK. activation (FIG. 9F, upper panel, lane 6 vs. lane 2), it had no apparent effect on Akt activation (FIG. 9F, lower panel, lane 6 vs. lane 2). Sense-ODN had no effect on either MAPK or Akt activation (FIG. 9F). Moreover; the inhibitory effect of AS-ODN on MAPK activation could be completely reversed by expression of BXB-Raf-1 (FIG. 9F, upper panel, lane 4 vs. lane 2). Total MAPK and Akt content were largely unaffected by treatment with ODNs or transfection with BXB-Raf-1 (FIG. 9F and not shown). These results suggest that abrogation of oncogenic K-Ras signaling in pancreatic cancer cells by KSR AS-ODN is likely achieved by specific inhibition of the Ras-Raf-MAPK cascade. To test the therapeutic potential of KSR AS-ODNs to treat human pancreatic cancer, PANC-1 xenografts either derived from 10⁶ cultured PANC-1 cells (FIG. 10A (i)), or from freshly harvested seed PANC-1 tumors (prepared as described above) (FIG. 10A (ii)), were transplanted into nude mice. The steady state plasma AS-ODN levels for the 5 and 10 mg/kg/day doses of infusion were determined by OliGreen and HPLC assays to be 63 and 123 ng/ml, respectively, consistent with that reported in the literature using similar doses (23). For PANC-1 tumors arising from the injected cells, tumors were allowed to reach 100 mm³ prior to the initiation of AS-ODN treatment. Infusion of AS-ODNs at 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days resulted in 40% reduction in tumor volume with a 100% response rate (FIG. 10A (i), p<0.05 vs. Control-ODN). A group of AS-ODN treated tumors that had regressed were monitored for tumor re-growth after the treatment was discontinued. Only 1 of 5 tumors exhibited re-growth while the rest remained regressed and stable for up to 4 weeks (not shown). For PANC-1 xenografts propagated via serial passage in vivo, continuous infusion of KSR AS-ODNs, initiated 2 days prior to tumor transplantation, attenuated the growth of PANC-1 tumors in a dose-dependent fashion (FIG. 10A (ii)). No apparent toxicity (weight loss, behavioral alteration, organomegaly, inflammation, bleeding) was observed at any dose and was confirmed by histologic examination of numerous tissues at autopsy (not shown). At 75 mg/kg/day, PANC-1 tumor growth was completely abolished and all mice remain tumor-free up to 4 weeks after the treatment was discontinued (FIG. 10A (ii) and not shown). In contrast, treatment with vehicle alone (saline), Control-ODN, or Sense-ODN exhibited no antitumor effects at all doses examined (FIG. 10A and not shown). These observations support the conclusion that the antitumor effects observed for KSR AS-ODNs occur through an antisense mechanism of action. Similar anti-neoplastic effects of KSR AS-ODN were observed in PANC-1 tumors transplanted orthotopically under the pancreatic capsular tissue (not shown).

To confirm the specificity of KSR in mediating K-ras signaling of pancreatic tumorigenesis, we examined endogenous ksr1 gene expression in saline-, Sense-ODN and AS-ODN-infused PANC-1 tumors. KSR1 expression was inhibited by 90% in all AS-ODN-treated animals examined, while it was largely unchanged by saline or Sense-ODN infusion (FIG. 10B), confirming a sequence-specific target effect. As an additional control, the effect of AS-ODN treatment on Ras activation in vivo was measured by determining the amount of GTP-Ras in PANC-1 tumors using the GST-RBD-Raf-1 pull down assay as described in Methods. Consistent with the data of A431 and PANC-1 cells in culture (not shown), AS-ODN treatment had no apparent effect on Ras activation (FIG. 10C), indicating that signaling events upstream of Ras activation were intact and inactivation of oncogenic K-ras signaling in PANC-1 cells by KSR depletion occurs downstream of Ras.

To confirm the effectiveness of KSR AS-ODNs in hindering other oncogenic K-ras-dependent human tumors, the codon 12 K-ras mutated A549 human non-small-cell lung carcinoma model (NSCLC) was selected. For these studies, 50 mg A549 seed tumor fragments, prepared similarly to A431 and PANC-1 seed tumors as above, were transplanted s. c. into nude mice. Treatment with KSR AS-ODN was initiated when A549 tumors reached 150 mm³. At 10 mg/kg/day, KSR AS-ODN completely inhibited the growth of the established A549 tumors while Saline, Control-ODN or Sense-ODN had no apparent effect (FIG. 10D (i)). When animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment, lungs were resected from Sense-ODN- or AS-ODN-treated mice and stained with Indian ink to visualize surface lung metastases derived via systemic dissemination. Control-ODN-treated lungs had an average of 8-11 metastatic foci. AS-ODN treatment elicited a dose-dependent inhibition of A549 lung metastasis (FIG. 10D (ii), p<0.05). These observations suggest that while KSR1 is obligate for K-ras-dependent primary tumor growth, it may also play an essential role in the metastatic progression of these tumors. Further, KSR AS-ODN could be an effective agent in the management of K-ras-dependent human malignancies.

Discussion

The present studies provide evidence that KSR1 is obligate for gf Ras signaling at he tissue level, and that inhibition of ksr1 expression leads to selective regression of gf Ras-dependent tumors. Previous clinical studies designed to treat of Ras-dependent tumors by inhibition of elements of the Ras/Raf-1/MAPK signaling cascade have to date been largely unsuccessful (9). While toxicity for most agents has been acceptable, success of treatment has been limited by lack of specificity in inhibiting different Ras isoforms, which recent data suggest may have distinct biologic functions (24-26) and lack of selectivity towards gf versus physiologic Ras signaling (8,9). Similar problems exists for experimental drugs designed to inhibit elements of the Raf-1/MEK1/MAPK cascade (9). The present studies on the effects of KSR AS-ODNs provide an approach to specifically attenuate gf Ras signaling in the treatment of Ras-dependent human tumors.

While the targeting of DNA sequences with AS-ODN technology represents an attractive therapeutic approach to the treatment of cancer (27), a principle problem with this approach has been the designation of specificity of the AS-ODN effect for the gene of interest. We provide a number of different lines of evidence to support the notion that the inhibition of tumorigenesis observed with KSR AS-ODNs is due to selective inactivation of gf K-ras signaling via inhibition of ksr1. Our data show that genetic inhibition of ksr1 expression by the KSR-AS Tet-Off construct yielded comparable antisense-mediated effects in vitro and in vivo as KSR AS-ODNs. Further, various ODNs, designed to control for sequence-dependent and sequence-independent non-antisense artifacts, had no effects on ksr1 gene expression, or on tumor growth in cell culture or in vivo. In addition to ODN sequence specificity, the effects of KSR AS-ODN on ksr1 expression were specific for the intended target as expression of other genes of the EGFR-Ras-MAPK pathway was unaffected. Finally, conditional overexpression of KSR-S by A431 cells delivered a phenotype opposite to KSR inactivation by KSR-AS, and both KSR-S and KSR-AS effects were reversible in the Tet-Off system by turning off expression by Dox treatment. These results collectively attest that the antitumor effects of KSR AS-ODN are achieved by an antisense mechanism.

The lack of normal tissue toxicity in animals treated with KSR AS-ODNs is consistent with recent reports that ksr1 is dispensable for normal development in C. elegans and mice (10,11,13, and see Example 1 above). As recent investigations have uncovered a second ksr allele, ksr2 in C. elegans (28) and in mice (29), the lack of tissue toxicity after depletion of ksr1 by KSR AS-ODN might be due to compensation by ksr2 for normal cellular functions. Alternately, the lack of toxicity may reflect topological distribution of KSR. Recent evidence suggests that elements of the Ras/Raf-1/MAPK pathway are compartmentalized in more than one type of membrane microdomains (26,30), and that compartmentalization is associated with regulation of activity. In this regard, Ras and c-Raf-1 associate with sphingolipid enriched microdomains (also known as rafts) in the plasma membrane and with the bulk membrane fraction. Raft association, at least for c-Raf-1, appears to involve binding to the sphingolipid ceramide (31). Further, depending on activation status, Ras forms may traffic between compartments (32), with gf Ras preferentially targeting the bulk membrane.

Whether KSR, which some groups argue is ceramide-activated (20,33), plays a specific role in the gf Ras activation process, and hence its inactivation would marginally affect normal cellular function, will be the topic of future investigation. Lastly, the apparent lack of toxicity of our KSR ODN is not surprising as the phosphorothioate class of AS-ODNs, the most commonly used AS-ODNs, are generally well tolerated. Administration via continuous infusion in preclinical models and in human clinical trials have established that sequence-independent toxicities (activation of the complement system, prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time and alterations of hematological parameters) are usually not encountered at doses at which pharmacologic antisense effects are achieved (34-36).

These studies also suggest that the therapeutic benefit of KSR AS-ODNs may not be limited to oncogenic K-ras-dependent human cancers, but might include a broader spectrum of tumor types, as our studies with KSR AS-ODNs were found effective against the tumor line A431, which is driven by hyperactivated wild type Ras. The therapeutic action of KSR AS-ODNs on established tumors in vivo likely involves both inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and induction of tumoral cell death. The anti-proliferative effect of KSR1 inactivation was evident by a decrease in cells in S phase and the induction of multinuclei phenotype in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, AS-ODN-treated A431 and PANC-1 tumors contained large necrotic areas (60-80% of the surface of the cut section). The mechanism of the latter effect, however, remains unknown. Previous studies demonstrated that significant microvascular endothelial apoptosis might also contribute to the anti-tumor effect as a result of ras inactivation (37). However, in our models, only sporadic endothelial cell apoptosis was detected by CD34 and TUNEL staining in PANC-1 tumors treated with KSR AS-ODNs (not shown). The role of KSR in angiogenesis must await further investigation in more relevant models of tumor angiogenesis.

Another important finding emerging from the present study is that KSR appears required for oncogenic Ras-mediated tumor metastatic progression. Inhibition of A549 lung metastases with KSR AS-ODN treatment is in agreement with our preliminary data that MMP-2 and 9 activities were increased in A431-KSR-S cells and inhibited in A431-KSR-AS cells (data not shown). Investigations are underway to elucidate the role of KSR in tumor progression.

The effective use of KSR AS-ODNs also provides the potential for improved understanding of the regulation of critical downstream events involved in gf Ras signaling, which at the present time, are only partially known. Raf-MAPK and PI-3 kinase modules are two established downstream pathways mediating gf Ras signaling of tumorigenesis (38-41). Here we provided evidence that KSR1 functions as a critical mediator of gf Ras likely via specific regulation of the Raf-1-MAPK signaling arm. Support for this notion is derived from recent studies demonstrating that MMTV-MT-dependent mammary tumor genesis, signaled primarily via src and PI-3 kinase via wild type Ras, was not affected in ksr−/− mice (13). In contrast, tumor genesis of oncogenic v-Ha-Ras-mediated epidermal skin tumors, signaled through the c-Raf-1/MAPK cascade, was abrogated in ksr−/− mice (Lozano and Kolesnick, unpublished). Further, the present studies with KSR antisense support the molecular ordering of c-Raf-1 as epistatic to mammalian KSR1, which is consistent with genetic results from Drosophila and C. elegans (10,11). We believe these observations may help to resolve some of the disputes regarding upstream elements of the Ras/Raf-1/MAPK module.

In summary, the current study provides original observations supporting KSR1 as a new molecular target for the treatment of human malignancies dependent on gf Ras signaling.

Methods

Cell culture and generation of Retro-Tet-Off A431 cell lines. Human epidermal carcinoma cell line A431, lung carcinoma cell line A549 and pancreatic cell lines PANC-1, Capan-2, PL-45, HPAF-II, AsPc-1 and MiapaPa-2 were obtained from ATCC (Manassas, Va.). The full-length wild type mouse ksr1 cDNA, which is over 90% identical to human ksr1 (12 ), was cloned in both sense (KSR-S) and antisense (KSR-AS) orientations into the pRetor-TRE under a doxycycline-inducible promoter in pRetro-Tet-Off (Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.). DN-KSR (D683A/D700A/R589M) was sub-cloned similarly. A431 cells were infected with medium collected from PT67 packaging cells transfected with KSR-S, KSR-AS, DN-KSR or the empty vector, and maintained under double selection (0.1 mg/ml neomycin and 0.1 mg/ml Hygromycin).

Western blot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Total cell lysates and tumor lysates were prepared in NP-40 buffer as described (18,42). Immunoprecipitation (IP) or Western blotting (WB) was performed according to the manufacturer's protocols with the following antibodies: monoclonal anti-Flag M2 antibody from Sigma (St Louis, Mo.), polyclonal anti-p44/42 MAPK, monoclonal anti-phospho-p44/42 MAPK (Thr202/Tyr204), polyclonal anti-phospho-MEK1/2 (Ser217 /Ser221) and polyclonal anti-phospho-Akt (Ser 473) antibodies from Cell Signaling (Beverly, Calif.), and polyclonal anti-c-Raf-1 antibody from Upstate Biotechnology Inc. (Lake Placid, N.Y.). Endogenous KSR1 expression was determined by immunoprecipitation and WB analysis from 1 mg of total lysates or by immunofluorescence microscopy, using the monoclonal anti-KSR antibody (BD Biosciences, San Diego, Calif.) (1:100 dilution) and HRP- or Texas-Red-conjugated goat anti-mouse secondary antibodies, respectively (Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.). Histology and immunohistochemistry were performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor or tissue specimens. 5 mm-cut sections were deparaffinized, rehydrated in graded alcohols, and H & E stained or immunostained using the avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, Calif.) method (43). The following primary antibodies were used: rat anti-mouse CD34 (1:50) antibody from PharMingen (San Diego, Calif.) and polyclonal anti-human Ki67 antibody (1:100) (Vector Laboratories). Diaminobenzidine was used as the chromogen and hematoxylin as the nuclear counterstain as described (43). Apoptosis were assessed by terminal deoxy transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) (Roch, Mannheim, Germany) as described (43).

Proliferation, Matrigel invasion and soft agar transformation assays. 2×10⁴ A431 cells or 1-3×10⁴ human pancreatic cells were plated in 6-well plates. The total number of cells/well was counted at the indicated time points to construct cell growth curves. For EGF treatment, 1.0 ng/ml of EGF was added to the culture and replaced every other day. The invasion assay was performed as described (42). Cells on the underside of the filters were counted in 10 randomly chosen fields (40× magnification) and reported as an average number of cells invaded per field. For EGF treatment, cells were replaced with serum-free medium for 2 h prior to the experiment. The Soft Agar assay was set up in 35 mm culture plates coated with 1.5 ml culture medium containing 0.5% agar and 5% FBS. 5×10³ cells were suspended in 1.5 ml medium containing 0.1% agar and 5% FBS, and added to the agar pre-coated plates. Colonies consisting of more than 50 cells were scored after 14-21 days of incubation using a dissecting microscope. For EGF treatment, FBS was omitted from the culture medium.

Cell cycle analysis. Cell cycle distribution was determined by FACS analysis. For these studies, cell pellets collected from exponentially growing monolayers were washed twice with PBS containing 0.5% FBS and fixed with 100% ethanol for 15 min. Fixed cells were treated with RNase A (0.1 mg/ml) for 30 min at 37° C. and stained with propidium iodide (0.05 mg/ml). The proportion of cells in the different phases of the cell cycle was calculated from the experimental fluorescence histograms.

In vitro treatment with KSR AS-ODN. Human KSR1 AS-ODN (5′-CTTTGCCTCTAGGGTCCG-3′) (SEQ ID NO: 8) and KSR sense-ODN (5′-CGGACCCTAGAGGCAAAG-3′) (SEQ ID NO: 15) were generated as phosphorothioate derivatives against nucleotides 214 to 231 (SEQ ID NO: 1) of the unique CA1 domain (amino acids (AAs) 42-82) of KSR1 by Genelink Inc. (Hawthorne, N.Y.). Control ODN (5′-CACGTCACGCGCGCACTATT-3′) (SEQ ID NO: 16) was prepared similarly. For in vitro studies, ODNs were dissolved in sterile water and delivered to cells by Oligofectamine (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) when cells were 30-40% confluent according to manufacturer's instructions. Cell proliferation was assayed at the indicated time points. 48 h after treatment, invasion and transformation assays were set up as above. For some studies, Control- and AS-ODN-treated PANC-1 cells were transfected with the dominant positive RSV-Raf-BXB (kindly provided by Dr. Joseph Bruder, NCI).

Tumor induction and in vivo treatment with KSR AS-ODN. For tumor induction, 10⁶ cultured tumor cells suspended in 0.1 ml of PBS, or 50 mg of tumor fragments freshly harvested from serial passaged seed tumors, were transplanted subcutaneously into the right lateral flank of 6-8 wk old male athymic NCRnu (Germantown, N.Y.). Tumor growth was measured every other day by calipers and tumor volume calculated as described (42). To determine the specificity of KSR-S on A431 tumorigenesis, a group of KSR-S tumor-bearing mice were fed with Dox-containing water (100 mg/ml). To determine the antitumor activity of KSR-AS ODN in vivo, infusion with Sense-, Control- or AS-ODNs via Alzet osmotic minipumps was initiated either 2 days prior to tumor transplantation or when tumor reached 100-150 mm³. A 5.0-75 mg/kg body weight/day dose range of ODN was chosen based on similar AS studies in vivo (34,44)

Ras activation assay. Ras activation status (GTP-Ras) in control ODNs or AS-ODN-treated PANC-1 cells or tumors was measured using the Ras activation assay kit (Upstate Biotechnology Inc., Lake Placid, N.Y.) according to manufacturer's instructions as described (45).

Statistical analysis. All data were evaluated by the Student's t test (two-tailed) with p<0.05 considered significant.

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Example 3

Additional antisense oligonucleotides were synthesized and tested by proliferation assay in A431 cells as indicated in TABLE 1. Antisense nucleotides and their sequences were selected on the basis of criteria (based on hybridization conditions) to have no stable homodimer formation, no hairpin loop formation, no self-complementary sequences, and to have no stable duplex formation (<−6 kcal/mol. Sequences were selected using the Oligo 4 program (Molecular Biology Insights, Inc., Cascade, Colo.) and subsequently verified with the Oligo Tech program (Oligo Therapeutics Inc., Wilsonville, Oreg.). Antisense oligonucleotides were generated against nucleotides 151 to 179 (AS oligo sequence 5′-CAGCCCGCGCAGACTGCCG-3′) (SEQ ID NO: 6) and nucleotides 181 to 198 (AS oligo sequence 5′-GAGGTCGTTAGACACTGA-3′) (SEQ ID NO: 7) of the KSR CA1 domain (both were P-S oligonucleotides). These oligonucleotides were tested along with the AS-ODN oligonucleotide against nucleotides 214 to 231 (AS oligo sequence SEQ ID NO: 8) described in Example 2. These antisense oligonucleotides represent reverse complements of nucleic acids encoding the amino acid sequences GSLRGI (SEQ ID NO: 17), AVSNDL (SEQ ID NO: 18) and RTLEAK (SEQ ID NO: 19) of the CA1 domain of human KSR, respectively. A431 cells were transfected with the indicated amount of KSR AS-ODNs and cell proliferation was assessed 72 hr after the treatment. The effect of AS-ODN on A431 cell proliferation was presented as percent of inhibition of vehicle-treated (Oligofectamine alone) controls. This is a representation of one of four similar studies. TABLE 1 Screening of KSR AS-ODNs by proliferation assay in A431 cells AS151-179 AS181-198 AS214-231 Control Concentration (% (% (% ODN (% of ODN (nM) inhibition) inhibition) inhibition) inhibition) 10 0 0 8 2 50 0 5 20 3 100 3 15 25 2 200 16 23 42 0 400 24 42 67 4 800 38 58 87 3

Example 4

To establish the specificity of KSR1 in mediating gf Ras, signaling, the well-characterized human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line K562 was employed. K562 is Bcr-abl-driven and is therefore independent of gf Ras signaling. The specific and dose-dependent inhibition of PANC-1 cell proliferation by AS-ODN treatment is depicted in FIG. 13. PANC-1 and K562 cells were treated with the indicated doses of control- or AS-ODNs and cell proliferation assays were performed (FIG. 13A). AS-ODN-1 and AS-ODN-2 correspond to nucleotides 214-231 and 181-198 of ksr1 cDNA, respectively. While PANC-1 cell proliferation was inhibited as expected, K562 cell proliferation was unaffected by ODN treatment. Treatment of K562 cells with 5 μM KSR AS-ODN-1 elicited comparable reduction of endogenous KSR1 gene expression (over 80%) to that observed in PANC-1 cells, as determined by Western blot analysis (FIG. 13B). Nonetheless, inhibition of proliferation was observed only in PANC-1 cells (FIG. 13A). Equal loading of the gels was confirmed using total P44/42 MAPK. Note that purified Flag-KSR, which served as a positive control for the Western blot, migrates slightly slower than endogenous KSR due to the Flag-tag (FIG. 13B). These results provide evidence that gf Ras signaling is specifically coupled to KSR1.

This invention may be embodied in other forms or carried out in other ways without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present disclosure is therefore to be considered as in all aspects illustrate and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended Claims, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency are intended to be embraced therein.

Various references are cited throughout this Specification, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 

1. An oligonucleotide which is substantially complementary to a region of KSR RNA, wherein said oligonucleotide inhibits the expression of KSR.
 2. The oligonucleotide of claim 1 which is substantially complementary to a nucleic acid encoding mammalian KSR.
 3. The oligonucleotide of claim 1 which is substantially complementary to a nucleic acid encoding human KSR.
 4. An oligonucleotide which is substantially complementary to a translation initiation site, 5′ untranslated region, coding region or 3′ untranslated region of mRNA encoding mammalian KSR.
 5. An antisense oligonucleotide comprising a sequence substantially complementary to the CA1 region of KSR.
 6. An antisense oligonucleotide comprising a sequence substantially complementary to nucleotides 124 to 243 (SEQ ID NO: 1) of the coding sequence of KSR, or a portion thereof.
 7. The oligonucleotide of claim 6 comprising a sequence substantially complementary to nucleotides selected from the group of 151 to 179 (SEQ ID NO:3), 181 to 198 (SEQ ID NO: 4) and 214 to 231 (SEQ ID NO: 5) of the sequence of KSR.
 8. An antisense oligonucleotide comprising a sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO:
 8. 9. The oligonucleotide of claim 1 labeled with a detectable label.
 10. The oligonucleotide of claim 1 wherein the label is selected from enzymes, ligands, chemicals which fluoresce and radioactive elements.
 11. The oligonucleotide of claim 1 wherein said oligonucleotide comprises at least one phosphorothioate linkage.
 12. A recombinant DNA molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence which encodes on transcription an antisense RNA complementary to mammalian KSR RNA or a portion thereof.
 13. The recombinant DNA molecule of claim 12 wherein said nucleic acid sequence is operatively linked to a transcription control sequence.
 14. A cell line transfected with the recombinant DNA molecule of claim
 13. 15. An expression vector capable of expressing an nucleic acid which is substantially complementary to the coding sequence of KSR RNA, or a portion/fragment thereof, wherein said oligonucleotide/nucleic acid inhibits the expression of KSR.
 16. An expression vector capable of expressing an oligonucleotide which is substantially complementary to the CA1 region of the coding sequence of KSR RNA, or a portion/fragment thereof, wherein said oligonucleotide inhibits the expression of KSR.
 17. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an antisense oligonucleotide of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
 18. A composition comprising the oligonucleotide of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
 19. A composition comprising one or more chemotherapeutic or radiotherapeutic agent and an oligonucleotide which is targeted to a mRNA encoding mammalian KSR and which inhibits KSR expression.
 20. A composition comprising an expression vector and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent, wherein said expression vector is capable of expressing nucleic acid which is substantially complementary to the coding sequence of KSR RNA, or a portion/fragment thereof, wherein said nucleic acid inhibits the expression of KSR.
 21. A method of inhibiting the expression of mammalian KSR comprising contacting cells which express KSR with an effective amount of a nucleic acid which is complementary to a portion of the mRNA encoding KSR.
 22. A method of inhibiting the expression of mammalian KSR comprising contacting cells which express KSR with an effective amount of the oligonucleotide of claim 1 whereby expression of mammalian KSR is inhibited.
 23. A method of treating or preventing a hyperproliferative condition associated with the expression of gf-Ras or heightened expression of Ras in a mammal comprising administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or agent which inhibits the expression of mammalian KSR protein.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein said compound or agent is an antisense oligonucleotide which specifically hybridizes to a portion of the mRNA encoding KSR.
 25. A method of treating or preventing a hyperproliferative condition associated with the expression of gf-Ras or heightened expression of Ras in a mammal comprising expressing in said mammal or administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a nucleic acid which is complementary to a portion of the mRNA encoding KSR.
 26. A method of treating or inhibiting the progression of cancer in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or agent which inhibits the expression of mammalian KSR protein.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein said cancer is selected from the group of pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, urinary tract cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer, colon cancer, intestinal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer and prostate cancer.
 28. A method of treating or inhibiting the progression of cancer in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of the oligonucleotide of claim
 1. 29. A method of identifying compounds or agents which inhibit the expression of KSR comprising the steps of: (c) incubating a cell expressing KSR in the presence and absence of a candidate compound or agent; and (d) detecting or measuring the expression of KSR in the presence and absence of a candidate compound or agent, whereby a decrease in the expression of KSR in the presence of said candidate compound or agent versus in the absence of said candidate compound or agent indicates that said compound or agent inhibits the expression of KSR.
 30. A ribozyme that cleaves KSR mRNA. 